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New book discusses Augusta County history

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nancy sorrells bookAugusta County, the new addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, presents an overview history of Augusta County, Va., from its inception in 1738.  The book by local author Nancy T. Sorrells and the Augusta County Historical Society, boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by.

When Augusta County was formed, 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. In this new pictorial history, images showcase Virginia’s second-largest county and the history it has witnessed ranging from frontier clashes to Civil War battles. Many of these images have never before been published and were culled from the Augusta County Historical Society’s extensive collections, as well as private collections.

Author Nancy T. Sorrells shares the story of how Augusta County has always been and remains a leader in Virginia’s agricultural production.  Photographs depict the days when wheat was king, as well as images involving the beef and dairy industries.  The book also sheds light on what life was like for early settlers and immigrants, displaying scenes of people picnicking and playing sports. By preserving these images and stories for future generations, Sorrells hopes that “readers of the book realize the significant heritage of Augusta County.”

Highlights of Augusta County include:

  • Images of the milling and distilling industries in their heyday.
  • The evolution of transportation in the county from wagons and buggies to trains and planes.
  • A look at the first fatal air crash in the county.
  • Houses of worship throughout the county’s history, some that are long forgotten and some that are still standing.

*The author’s profits from the sale of this book will go to the Augusta County Historical Society in honor of the society’s 50th anniversary of Preserving the Past for the Future.*

 

Join Us For A Book Signing!

When: April 15 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Augusta County Golden Gala at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.

Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Contributors

Contributors

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