The town was named for the famous gunsmith, John Bull, who made his home in the gap of mountains.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2), all of it land.

Legendary country comedian Archie Campbell, who regularly performed at the Grand Ole Opry and starred in the television show Hee Haw, was a native of Bulls Gap.

His house has been preserved as a museum and tourist attraction, and U.S. Route 11E through Bulls Gap was renamed "Archie Campbell Highway" following his death in 1987.

Every Labor Day weekend the town has an annual three-day celebration honoring Campbell with a car show, food and live music.

American Southern Gospel Singer Kirk Talley grew up in Bulls Gap New York Times best selling author Amy Greene grew up in the vicinity of Bulls Gap.

[13] In Cormac McCarthy's novel Child of God, Lester Ballard murders a young couple in their car, gets in the car, turns on the radio, and listens to the radio host talk about an upcoming event at Bulls Gap School.