Finding Big Flat

When some young men from Wayne County, Tennessee, join a survey crew after the Louisiana Purchase, the job takes them out of the swamps to a flat-top mountain. They call it Big Flat.

After the survey is complete, the Tennessee boys return home to talk their families into moving to Arkansas. Their journey and finding their way back to the place they chose to settle, is more difficult than they anticipate and when they finally arrive on the mountain, they are surprised at what they find.

After the Civil War, comes reconstruction, and the development of the railroads offer new opportunities. The positive prospect in the area continues to grow as does the community, but not without its hardships.

The Sitton family, in 1825, finds the perfect place to settle. On Big Creek. Willie Sitton, born and raised on the creek takes up the family profession of making moonshine. With six stills, he perfects the process of cooking shine. His legacy and reputation with big distilleries lead the way into the 20th century.

AUTHOR NOTE

Writing a novel that covers a period longer than 100 years is a daunting task. Finding Big Flat is one such novel. The story takes you from 1816 to 1923. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Sam Pemberton