The mountain is named after Major Timothy Bigelow who climbed the rugged summit in late October 1775 "for the purpose of observation.

"[3] Major Bigelow was one of Colonel Benedict Arnold's four division commanders during the 1775 Invasion of Canada.

The expeditionary force passed along the Dead River on the northern edge of the Bigelow Range, now dammed into Flagstaff Lake.

Much of the mountain and surrounding area is part of the 10,540-acre (42.7 km2) Bigelow Preserve, created in 1976 in response to a massive proposed ski resort.

By this same criteria, the South Horn of Bigelow, while under 4,000 feet (1,200 m), qualifies for the New England Hundred Highest list.