Chenal Valley has seen quite a transformation from vast timberland and farmland to one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods for living, working and shopping.
Esau, circa 1905: The Fourche River Lumber Co. built a large mill on the banks of the river in 1900, led by its president N.P. Bigelow. Residents were so pleased with the mill they voted to change the community s name from Esau to Bigelow. The mill closed in 1921, and many left Perry County in search of other lumber jobs.