Big Stone Gap is a city located in Wise County, Virginia. The city was formerly known as Meneral City and Three Forks before settling on Big Stone Gap which refers to the valley located on the Appalachia Straight. There are many museums located in Big Stone Gap including the Coal Museum, The Southwest Virginia Museum, and the June Tolliver House. The Trail of the Lonesome Pine, which is an official outdoor drama about the state of Virginia, is also located in Big Stone Gap. Wallens Ridge State Prison is also located in Big Stone Gap. It was originally opened as a supermax prison but since has down graded to a high level security facility. Students here attend the Wise County Public Schools. There are three public schools located in Big Stone Gap: Powell Valley Primary, Powell Valley Middle and Powell Valley High. The city is also home to the Mountain Empire Community College. Famous people with ties to the city include actor CC Swiney, novelist John Fox, Jr, and 1993 Miss America Leanza Cornett.