LOCAL/REGIONAL HIST. VA

Covering Bristol’s formative years, this is the story of people and events surrounding the rise of this city between two states—the town Joseph R. Anderson, its founder, wanted to call “Paradise.” The author has endeavored to “tell it like it was” without fear or favor, showing no undue regard for long cherished but undocumented historical traditions that have grown up over the years. On these pages you will meet a cross section of Bristol’s ancestry, ranging from the noble and well-known to the humble and obscure. Containing a myriad of facts that will be of wide local interest, the narrative offers more than a little insight into the human condition as it existed during the last century. Enhanced with numerous old photographs, this carefully researched and well-written volume is destined to be the standard reference on Bristol for years to come.

This comprehensive look at the rich heritage of Wise County will take you on a journey from a time to when our forefathers led turbulent lives in a savage land. When Indian raids were atrocious and often resulted in capture and vicious deaths and militia groups were organized and forts and fort houses were built to provide protection. Works of James Taylor Adams, Luther Addington, Emory Hamilton, and Edward L. Henson Jr., as well as other notable historians both past and present, were used in the compilation of the book. This book contains excellent family histories and memoirs submitted by hundreds of good folks. The thousands of hard-working hours volunteered by active members of the Wise County Historical Society has created a very distinct and worthy heritage book.

A comprehensive, in-depth history of the beginning of the "Country Cabin". There are two log cabins in which the Josephine neighbors started which became the historical "Country Cabin". Author Anna Ruth Wells, spent numerous hours collecting accurate data and information from those who "lived" the history including her own personal documents and recollection for 32 years. Many members were involved in the "making of memories" of this community project.

The Grayson County Historical Society chose to publish Memories of Grayson in 1992 to coincide with the bicentennial celebration of the county. This was an accumulation of pre-1925 photographs depicting individuals, children, groups, homes, churches, schools, other building, happy times, sad times...life as it was. So many photographs were collected that it was impossible to include them all. The ones not published in the first volume have now formed the nucleus of this Volume Two. The range of dates was expanded for this second volume to include pictures taken up to 1950 and people from many counties and states have generously shared their personal photographs for this book.

Remembering Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia, 1920 – 1970 is a historical record of the lives and connections of the many African American residents who forged, not only a community identity, but a social and economic network and a lasting affection for the steep hills and valleys that distinguish their neighborhood. Twenty-four participants, including 17 current and former residents with birthdates between 1923 and 1957, contributed interviews and memoirs, photographs and artifacts. Over eight months, meeting monthly and even twice a month initially, the group worked to capture the complex essence of a neighborhood that over many decades held both churches and a red-light district, family homes and a gallows for public hangings, an elementary school, a “pest house” for people with contagious diseases, a canteen for teenagers, and a public burying ground. Tinbridge Hill was home to teachers, bootleggers, porters, paupers and parents. “This book touches on some painful and sometimes embarrassing parts of our past that some would rather forget, and it took some courage on all parts to put this out there,” according to Doug Harvey, director of the Lynchburg Museum System. “The academic perspective contributed by the humanities disciplines and methodologies have given Tinbridge neighbors a voice, have generated unprecedented respect for their views and experiences, and have conferred upon them and their place dignity that is long overdue and richly deserved,” added Carolyn Bell, retired Randolph-Macon Woman’s College professor of English and director for the Tinbridge Hill publication project.

Brimming with information, this text begins with Scott County territory as claimed by the French prior to 1763. The final chapters include interesting facts and figures from a survey made in 1930. Filling the pages between with great variety, Addington shares an abundance of knowledge. In addition to history about the first Courts and “Interesting Court Orders,” schools, homes and churches, social life, customs etc., the author includes more than thirty biographical sketches. “Some Important Dates in Scott County History” begins with 1749 and goes through 1887. His stories of Indian attacks include the defense of Fort Blackmore, in which Daniel Boone figured prominently. He also tells about Scott County during the Civil War and the later hardships of World War I. The chapter about “Old-Time Schools” is fascinating. By following instructions in his descriptive narration, one could easily play the old-time games today. A new index has been added to this reprint of an excellent history.

Incredible in its attention to detail, this history of Tazewell County, Virginia—its people, towns, development, and progress—will prove a valuable addition to the libraries of natives, historians, and genealogists alike. The work delves into the original settling of the region and the discovery of vast coal deposits, especially the Pocahontas Coal Field.

This volume has long been recognized as the definitive history of the area from 1748 to 1920. Divided into six distinct periods, it begins with the Aboriginal Period and ends with the Postbellum or Development Period, which details the immense growth in the Tazewell County area and other parts of Southwest Virginia. Numerous illustrations and photographs of early settlers, outstanding citizens of later periods, houses built when the county was young, and scenic views of Tazewell's beautiful landscape add interest and color to the outstanding work. This edition also includes an index with approximately 3,000 names.

Rich in the history and lore of Wise County, this easy-to-read volume is informal and anecdotal. Beginning with early exploration by Captain Christopher Gist and Dr. Thomas Walker, the author concludes with a chapter titled “Newspapers and Radio Stations.” The chapters between are filled with great variety––from Indians and early settlers to teachers, schools, railroads, courthouses, jails and more. Interesting old photographs are scattered throughout the pages. The index includes John Fox, Jr., the nationally recognized author, and the well-known character “Devil” John Wright, along with numerous names of those less well known.

Exploring Southwest Virginia and, after its formation, Washington County in particular, this volume traces the history of the region from its earliest period, when it embraced 19 present-day counties of Virginia and 17 of West Virginia. It also includes sections of other counties within these states.