Images of America: Augusta County
By Nancy T. Sorrells
for the Augusta County Historical Society
Book-signing & Conversation
Saturday, April 19 … 1 – 3 p.m.
When Augusta County was formed in 1738, it was America’s Wild West … stretching from the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes. Today’s more moderately-sized county lies nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Virginia’s second-largest county has witnessed history ranging from frontier clashes to Civil War battles. Daniel Boone, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee slept here, Pres. Dwight Eisenhower’s mother was born here, and folk artist Grandma Moses farmed here. The main road through the county, known at different times as the Warrior’s Path, the Great Wagon Road, and the Valley Pike, has been trod by Native Americans, settlers, travelers, and warring armies. The influx of Scots-Irish, German, English, and African-American settlers who put down roots turned the lush limestone valley into the grain-producing capital of the nation and created the county’s two leading industries: milling and distilling.
About the Author: nancy sorrells is known throughout the area for a variety of reason – historian, longtime (past) member of Augusta County’s Board of Supervisors, newspaper columnist, local publisher … and now author. She selected the best images from the county Historical Society’s rich collection and has worked with private individuals & groups to discover amazing photos that illustrate a wide spectrum of faces and places from the County’s storied past.
Call Bookworks at (540) 887-0007, or visit the shop at 101 W. Beverley Street in historic downtown Staunton, with any questions.
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