All Non-Digital Titles

Read the history of the CIvil War from the perspective of the Washington DC capital.

When the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861, Washington, D.C., was a small, essentially Southern city. The capital rapidly transformed as it prepared for invasion--army camps sprung up in Foggy Bottom, the Navy Yard on Anacostia was a beehive of activity and even the Capitol was pressed into service as a barracks. Local citizens and government officials struggled to accommodate the fugitive slaves and troops that crowded into the city. From the story of one of the first African American army surgeons, Dr. Alexander Augusta, to the tireless efforts of Clara Barton, historian Lucinda Prout Janke renders an intimate portrait of a community on the front lines of war. Join Janke as she guides readers through the changing landscape of a capital besieged.

Visitors and New England natives alike will see a new side of the region through Thomas D'Agostino's eerie road trip guidebook.

He captures the reader's imagination with folklore and anecdotes, plus recommendations useful for any traveler. This guide uncovers lingering spirits across all six states in the region, from the victims of alchemy gone awry in the White Mountains, to wraiths in the Berkshires, to the ghosts of drowned sailors in Mystic, Connecticut. Enjoy these retellings of classic New England ghost stories and discover obscure ones, and then go visit the spooky sights for yourself.

A Guide to Historic Alexandria explores Alexandria, Virginia’s remarkable story—one intertwined with the story of America.

From lands once traveled by Indigenous peoples to the surveying of its streets by a young George Washington, Alexandria has long been shaped by the Potomac River’s pull. As the nation grew, its proximity to the Federal City placed it at the center of political, economic, and social change from the American Revolution through the civil rights movement and beyond. Today, Alexandria’s neighborhoods reveal this history. From Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Old Town to Ben Brenman Pond in the West End, each neighborhood has important landmarks, big and small. Incorporating the newest research with historic and modern photographs, this updated edition reveals Alexandria’s evolution across centuries and celebrates a city whose past continues to shape the character of the Commonwealth and the nation.

Marblehead’s fishermen, merchants, slaves and heroes are buried in graveyards throughout this historic town.

There are thirteen burial sites, including large cemeteries and small family tombs. Old Burial Hill was established in 1638, and the “new” Waterside Cemetery was opened in 1859.

Revolutionary War hero General John Glover, famous for rowing General Washington across the Delaware River in 1776, is buried at Old Burial Hill. The final resting place of an enslaved woman, marked simply “Agnis Negro” was recently reproduced and rededicated. Green Street holds the graves of Elisha Story, who took part in the Boston Tea Party, along with Josiah Cressy, record-breaking captain of the Flying Cloud clipper ship. Mary Alley, who left property to establish the town’s first hospital, is buried at Harborview Cemetery. Local author Pam Matthias Peterson reveals five centuries of history behind these markers of the past.

Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County have the peaceful charm of another era. Author Jean Cooper reveals fascinating details of Charlottesville's history at every turn.

Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this area's celebrated allure comes from a storied past filled with intriguing people and events. Author and local resident Jean Cooper brings Charlottesville's past to life while providing a useful guide to the city's most historic streets, buildings and neighborhoods. This guide invites all to explore different time periods of Charlottesville's history including the colonial era, the War for Independence, the Civil War and early twentieth century.

Thanks to Attorney and business owner Bill Patton, you won’t miss a thing when you visit downtown Memphis, Tennessee with this guide.

Need a practical, useful guide to downtown Memphis's historic streets, buildings and neighborhoods? Look no further than A Guide to Historic Downtown Memphis. From Beale Street to the Bluffs, this guidebook covers all the essentials that no explorer of the River City should be without. Each chapter provides a map for a different section of downtown Memphis, guiding readers on a journey to the historic reaches of this modern city. The destinations may vary from classic theatres to barbeque joints, from churches to saloons, but the road always leads to another fascinating Memphis discovery. Perfect for out-of-town visitors or Memphians who need a helpful guide to showcase the attractions that make their hometown one of a kind.

Greenville History Tours owner John Nolan leads the reader through downtown in a tourist-friendly guide to historic sites, with vintage photographs to illustrate how the city has changed and what original features remain.

Carefully researched and exceptionally written, it is a wonderful companion, both for visitors and for Greenville residents who want to see their hometown in a new light. v Enjoy the thriving, diverse and historic sites in three tours of Greenville's Main Street. v Explore the city's architectural highlights, spanning from early nineteenth-century Charleston-style buildings to a mid-twentieth-century home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. v Discover the dramatically successful downtown revitalization that serves as a model for elected officials and private investors around the country. v Experience some of the South's richest cultural resources by visiting Greenville's collection of museums and galleries.

-- General overview of the picturesque county located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

-- Walking and driving tours through Henderson County s most fascinating historic areas, including Hendersonville, Flat Rock and Fletcher.

-- Images and illustrations of the most important sites, from churches and historic houses to cemeteries and inns.

-- Timeline of key events capturing the historic spirit and heritage of Henderson County.

Written by accomplished historian and author Alexia Jones Helsley and her father, Dr. George Alexander Jones, founder of Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society and director of Henderson County History.

Nestled between Palm Beach's exclusive boutiques and the lavish lifestyle of Miami's South Beach rests the charming city of Hollywood, Florida.

The charismatic land developer J.W. Young first envisioned this prosperous and picturesque town in the early 20th century, and within in a few short decades carved an elegant resort town from a veritable wilderness. Divided into two parts, A Guide to Historic Hollywoodby local historian Joan Mickelson, the daughter of a city founder, provides a history of Hollywood's formative years as well as a guide through the historic streets of this beautiful Florida city. From the roaring ‘20s to the post-war ‘50s, Mickelson highlights the buildings, people and events vital to the history of this now-thriving coastal landmark.

Welcome to Marietta, the elegant Ohio River city where this state's history begins. This informative guide will help you make the most of your time.

Explore ancient earthworks, stroll shady brick streets lined with glorious Victorian mansions, wander through museums and kick back in a wide variety of restaurants and taverns. Venture into nearby West Virginia and visit Fenton, America's oldest art glass company; Blennerhassett Island, where Aaron Burr hatched a plot against the U.S. government; and Henderson Hall, the majestic great house of a former slave plantation - all within fifteen miles of downtown Marietta. It includes an overview of the area's rich history, maps, dozens of vintage and modern photographs and descriptions of the best sites and attractions the region has to offer - including those that most visitors miss.

Get ready to experience the Music City with this guide of one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the Southeast.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, this guide will come in handy. Enjoy 11 walking and driving tours around Tennessee's historical capital of Nashville. Explore the legendary Music Row and the famous Ryman Auditorium. Discover fascincating facts about Nashville's past - from the battlefields to the universities. Carefully researched and exceptionally written by accomplished historian James Hoobler, who is senior curator of art and architecture at the Tennessee State Museum and former executive director of the Tennessee Historical Society, this book offers extraordinary insight into Nashville's heritage. It is a wonderful companion, both for visitors and for Nashville residents who want to see their hometown in a new light.

New Haven was the first planned city in the United States, and thus, it has an incredible array of buildings from every point in time from American history.

Not only does New Haven have time on its side, but it’s also the home of Yale and its School of Architecture, and many prominent architects have designed buildings in this Connecticut city. Author Colin M. Caplan is a native of New Haven and an active member of the local architecture and preservation community. He founded Magrisso Forte, a design-based consulting firm dedicated to fostering awareness of New Haven’s cultural resources. This book details 18 walks and 9 guided driving/biking tours around the city.

Travel through these easy-to-follow tours of St. Augustine, North America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlement.

Explore famed St. Augustine locales, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the Cathedral of St. Augustine, the Huguenot Cemetery and the Plaza. Discover the wonderful historic architecture, attractions and international flavor that make St. Augustine a flourishing winter playground. Let Steve Rajtar and Kelly Goodman guide you through the history-rich streets of this delightful north Florida community in their comprehensive Guide to Historic St. Augustine, Florida.

Museums not only preserve history—their mere presence shows what a community values and celebrates. And from the incredible variety of museums that dot the Mississippi landscape, it’s abundantly clear that Mississippians celebrate everything from the quirky to the grand. From the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson to the Grammy Museum in Cleveland, the state boasts museums celebrating aprons, motorcycles, the game of bridge and the fight against the yellow fever epidemic. Join authors Diane Williams and Richelle Putnam on a tour through the Mississippi institutions that celebrate a little bit of everything from the state’s rich, diverse history.

From the grand majesty of the Breakers to the beautiful proportions of Rosecliff, these houses are enduring reminders of the architectural flowering of the Gilded Age.

 Where the salty air mingles with the far-off laughter of women in ball gowns, the houses of the Newport Cliff Walk preside in grandeur over the crashing waves below. Walking along the paved trail, it's easy to imagine the faintest hint of a waltz coming from the windows of Beechwood, or to envision the Duchess of Windsor's carriage arriving for a visit at Fairholme. Ed Morris takes you on a tour of twenty-four historic mansions and landmarks, entertaining along the way with tales of splendor and style, social maneuvering and matchmaking.

Local author Andy Peter Antippas presents a walking history of the Vieux Carre, one alley, corner and street at a time.

Walking through the French Quarter can overwhelm the senses--and the imagination. The experience is much more meaningful with knowledge of the area's colorful history. For instance, the infamous 1890 separate but equal legal doctrine justifying racial segregation was upheld by the Louisiana Supreme Court at the Cabildo on Jackson Square. In the mid-twentieth century, a young Lee Harvey Oswald called Exchange Alley home. One of New Orleans' favorite drinks--the sazerac--would not exist if Antoine Peychaud had not served his legendary bitters with cognac from his famous apothecary at 437 Royal.

Enjoy three accessible walking tours and a bonus driving tour through places relevant to the rich and varied contributions of black Charlestonians.

Author Alphonso Brown, owner and operator of Gullah Tours, Inc., guides you through the history and lore. Visit Denmark Vesey's home, Catfish Row, the Old Slave Mart and the Market; learn about the sweetgrass basket makers, the Aiken-Rhett House slave quarters, black slave owners and blacksmith Philip Simmons. Brown's distinctive narration, combined with detailed maps and vibrant descriptions in native Gullah, make this a unique and enjoyable way to experience the Holy City.

Grand Rapids history is crowded with departed souls who refuse to rest in peace.

The twisted spirit of Lolita, a mother who committed unspeakable acts upon her children, stalks the block where she grew up. In life, Frank Hibben Stout’s obsession with his “sister” led to a tragic end for both. In death, his blood-dripping apparition is seen where a local restaurant now stands. The protective spirit of Edythe first appeared after a fateful Ouija board game at a local church, and the Children’s Museum is haunted by the friendly spirit of a boy seen by the young and old alike.

Come walk with the dead as author Julie Rathsack weaves together the threads of the forgotten past with the spirits who have remained behind.

Every history of the Appalachian Trail tells the story from the top down, focusing on who proposed the trail, who built it, who maintain it, and on a few of the most famous hikers. A Hiker’s History of Appalachian Trail tells the trail’s history from the ground up, or more accurately, from the boots up.

Several million hikers each year set foot on the trail for a few hours, a few days, or perhaps a few weeks. The trail was created for them, yet their role in its history is largely ignored. Working with trail shelter logbooks, hiker accounts submitted to trail clubs, newspaper and magazine stories about the experiences of casual hikers, Mills Kelly reveals what it was like to hike the trail from the late 1920s until the 2020s.

What did those hikers eat? What kind of gear did they carry? Why did they go hiking in the first place? What was their relationship to the natural world they found along the trail? What was it like to hike as a woman, as a person of color, as someone with a disability? And how did all those things change over the 100 years of the trail’s history?

Every history of the Appalachian Trail tells the story from the top down, focusing on who proposed the trail, who built it, who maintain it, and on a few of the most famous hikers. A Hiker’s History of Appalachian Trail tells the trail’s history from the ground up, or more accurately, from the boots up.

Several million hikers each year set foot on the trail for a few hours, a few days, or perhaps a few weeks. The trail was created for them, yet their role in its history is largely ignored. Working with trail shelter logbooks, hiker accounts submitted to trail clubs, newspaper and magazine stories about the experiences of casual hikers, Mills Kelly reveals what it was like to hike the trail from the late 1920s until the 2020s.

What did those hikers eat? What kind of gear did they carry? Why did they go hiking in the first place? What was their relationship to the natural world they found along the trail? What was it like to hike as a woman, as a person of color, as someone with a disability? And how did all those things change over the 100 years of the trail’s history?

Leave the brochures behind and tour Austin neighborhoods with an ambassador of the city’s less familiar history, from the dirt on 6th Street to the music of hidden wildlife.

Witness the rise of a metropolis from the tiny frontier outpost of Waterloo into a world leader in culture and technology. Discover the lost treasure of Shoal Creek in Pease Park or just a sense of inner peace amid the koi ponds and waterfalls of the Zilker Botanical Gardens.  Like the bats of Congress Avenue, navigate Austin neighborhoods by sound, taking cues from the Stevie Ray Vaughn’s beloved guitar and Angelina Eberly’s city-saving cannon. Award-winning tour guide Jason Weems charts a course through Austin’s heritage, treading the back streets stalked by a serial killer and the stately halls of the Texas State History Museum.

Your Guide to American Revolutionary History in Today's Vibrant Boston

From its founding in 1630, the "City on the Hill" has been home to those who seek freedom. Without the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the midnight ride of Paul Revere, there would have been no American Revolution.

Sam Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams put Boston in the forefront on the path to Independence and the creation of the United States. Later reformers and trailblazers included Dorothea Dix, who advocated on behalf of the mentally ill, and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who created the city’s “Emerald Necklace” of parks.

From the Old North Church to the Freedom Trail and the Irish Famine Memorial, follow historian Alison Fortier as she reveals how the history of this city tells the story of our country.

Your Guide to American Revolutionary History in Today's Vibrant Boston

From its founding in 1630, "The City on the Hill" has been home to those who seek freedom. Without the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, there would have been no American Revolution.

Sam Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams put Boston in the forefront on the path to Independence and the creation of the United States. Later reformers and trailblazers include Dorothea Dix, who advocated on behalf of the mentally ill, and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who created the city’s “Emerald Necklace” of parks.

From the Old North Church to the Freedom Trail and the Irish Famine Memorial, follow historian Alison Fortier as she reveals how the history of this city tells the story of our country.

A traveler’s guide through the history and historic sites of the Motor City. 

The auto heritage of Detroit, Michigan, is known worldwide, but this fascinating city’s history runs much deeper. Step inside the tiny recording studio where Berry Gordy, a young entrepreneur who faced tremendous prejudice, created a music empire that broke down racial barriers.

Tour Art Deco masterpieces so spectacular they're called “cathedrals” to commerce and finance. Walk in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Cobo Hall, where he first delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Join Karin Risko for an intimate tour of the city that put the world on wheels and discover an amazing history of innovation, philanthropy, social justice and culture.

A guide through the history of the Playground of the Southwest. Established in 1839, Galveston was the largest city in Texas for much of the state’s early history. The island city has hosted the likes of Cabeza de Vaca, Jean Lafitte, Sam Houston, Jack Johnson, King Vidor, and Sam Maceo. A strategic target during the Civil War and military stronghold during both World Wars, Galveston endured through countless calamities, including the most damaging hurricane to hit the United States. From historic mansions to long-hidden outposts of the vice district, author Tristan Smith surveys the best places to catch a glimpse of the Oleander City’s past, whether that comes in the form of museum treasure or Seawall panorama.

Explore and Learn LFK

Lawrence was founded in 1854 by the New England Emigrant Aid Company, and it has a bevy of historical locations for visitors. Downtown’s infamous Mass Street was nearly destroyed twice by warmongering guerrillas like William Quantrill. It was central to the era of John Brown and Bleeding Kansas and the site of the Wakarusa War. From famous beat writer William Burroughs to poet Langston Hughes, vaudeville actor George “Nash” Walker and basketball inventor James Naismith, the city has been home to a great slice of American historical figures and events. Uncover some familiar landmarks as well as some hidden gems as Tristan Smith, with the help of the Watkins Community Museum, takes readers through Lawrence’s unique landscape.

Located almost dead center along the Gulf Coast, Mobile has seen a thing or two in its long history. The Port City has survived the ravages of hurricanes and yellow fever epidemics. It has been handed down from one nation to another not once but several times. The last major battle of the Civil War roared only miles away across its namesake bay, a few short years after the last slave ship, the Clotilda, arrived with its human contraband. But this city has had much to celebrate, as well. Mobile gave our nation its greatest party—Mardi Gras. It was also the birthplace of five Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famers. Author Joe Cuhaj serves as docent to the twists and turns of Mobile and the Alabama Gulf’s fascinating past.

Uniquely New Hampshire

New Hampshire has always been fiercely independent, and its history, museums and festivals reflect that trait. Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe broke baseball’s color barrier with the Nashua Dodgers in 1946, and Holman Stadium is now a stop on the Black Heritage Trail. Three of the state’s historic mansions—the Fells, the Castle in the Clouds and the Saint-Gaudens historic site—remain as impressive today as when they were built. Portsmouth’s historic homes give a portrait of life in colonial and Revolutionary times. From the New England Telephone Museum in Warner to the Exeter UFO Festival, the state has a wealth of history on display.

Kathleen D. Bailey and Sheila R. Bailey lead a trip through the past and present of the Granite State’s most memorable sites.

New York is a city of superlatives. It has the largest population, greatest wealth, broadest diversity and most elegant museums in the nation. With that comes an amazing history.

This tour of the Big Apple goes beyond the traditional guidebook to offer visitors and residents alike a chance to walk back in time along the streets of Manhattan. George Washington took his first oath of office on the steps of Federal Hall. Visitors can still dine at the famed Fraunces Tavern and worship at historic St. Paul's Chapel. From the Brooklyn Bridge to stunning skyscrapers, the city celebrates its own history and that of the nation. Join author Alison Fortier as she traces the history and heritage of America's largest metropolis.

Explore the Rich History of the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is more than just scenic vistas—it is the birthplace of American history. Go beyond the traditional guidebook to counties nestled along the east and west banks of the majestic Hudson River. From Native American settlements and Dutch colonial roots to the rise of the English, history unfolds at every turn in the river.

 Discover Newburgh, where Washington had his longest headquarters of the Revolution. Explore the quaint town of Kingston, home of the state’s first capital. Learn how the pivotal Battle of Saratoga turned the tide of the American Revolution. Admire the artistic heritage of Frederic Church’s Olana, the vast Gilded Age estates, and the nation’s first presidential library in Hyde Park. Enjoy a day exploring Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, in Tarrytown or the railroad depot in Peekskill where President-elect Lincoln stopped to speak on the way to his inauguration.

 Join local historian A.J. Schenkman as he traces the forgotten histories and vibrant heritage of one of America’s most historic regions.

Join author Alison Fortier for a walk through our United States Capital and its iconic locations. 

This tour of the nation’s capital goes beyond the traditional guidebook to offer a historical journey through the federal district. Visit the White House, the only executive home in the world regularly open to the public. Travel to President Lincoln’s Cottage and see where he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. Look around lesser-known sites, such as the grave of Pierre L’Enfant, the city’s Botanical Gardens, the Old Post Office and a host of historical homes throughout the capital. From George Washington’s Mount Vernon to the Kennedy Center, trek through each era of Washington, D.C., for a tour of America’s most beloved sites. Join author and Washington insider Alison Fortier as she curates a revised and updated expedition to our shining city on a hill.

Join author Alison Fortier for a walk through our United States Capital and its iconic locations. 

This tour of the nation’s capital goes beyond the traditional guidebook to offer a historical journey through the federal district. Visit the White House, the only executive home in the world regularly open to the public. Travel to President Lincoln’s Cottage and see where he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. Look around lesser-known sites, such as the grave of Pierre L’Enfant, the city’s Botanical Gardens, the Old Post Office and a host of historical homes throughout the capital. From George Washington’s Mount Vernon to the Kennedy Center, trek through each era of Washington, D.C., for a tour of America’s most beloved sites. Join author and Washington insider Alison Fortier as she curates a revised and updated expedition to our shining city on a hill.

Founding the Pennsylvania Wilds and Preserving Elk Country

The village of Benezette is ground zero for the famous elk herd of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Before becoming a popular ecotourism destination, the community was a quiet village with a hardworking ethos. The region’s first settlers arrived in the 1780s, looking for new frontiers and economic opportunities. Reuben Winslow purchased more than three hundred acres of land along the Bennett’s Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek and, by 1844, had laid down the town’s lots as the founder of Benezette. The arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the late 1800s fueled the rise of local industry such as timber and coal. Nearby villages such as Weedville, Caledonia, Medix Run, Summerson and others looked to Benezette as the center of the of the region while developing their own communities. Author Kathy Myers presents the history of Benezette and its influence in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Join author and longtime Cannon skier Meghan McCarthy McPhaul to learn about the history of this historic mountain that is steeped in legends and lore.

Rising at the western edge of New Hampshire's magnificently beautiful Franconia Notch State Park, the granite-domed mountain has been the playground of skiers since the 1930s. Here, the country's first down-mountain ski trail was cleared in 1933, the first aerial tramway was built on the mountain and the first professional ski patrol was established. More than a dozen members of the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame--whose contributions to the sport include historic racing feats, the development of ski techniques and designing countless ski areas across the country and around the world--have called Cannon their home hill.

A History of Chesapeake, Virginia chronicles the history of this famous city, from its colonial to beginnings to its modern day prestige.

An entertaining and informative history for all who love Chesapeake--and a must-read for anyone who calls this beautiful city home. Chesapeake, Virginia, is one of the newest cities in the Commonwealth, but the area is undeniably steeped in history that dates to the colonial era and before. In this exemplary volume, historian Raymond Harper traces Chesapeake-area settlement from Native Americans to early Europeans and continuing through the modern era. With fascinating detail, Harper presents the impact of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the development of education and religion and the growth of one of the nation's most beloved cities.

The history of one of the most important airports in the US comes to life in over 150 historical photos.

In 1942, a stretch of Illinois prairie that had served as a battleground and a railroad depot became the site of a major manufacturing plant, producing Douglas C-54 Skymasters for World War II. Less than twenty years later, that plot of land boasted the biggest and busiest airport in the world. Many of the millions who have since passed through it have likely only regarded it as a place between cities. But for people like Michael Branigan, who has spent years on its tarmac, they know that O'Hare is a city unto itself, with a fascinating history of gangsters and heroes, mayors,  presidents and pilots.

A History of Connecticut Food aims to acquaint the reader with the long and storied relationship of the state's people and their provisions.

Each chapter will focus on a different crop, livestock, game, or prepared dish that Connecticut has either pioneered or made its own. Along with these brief histories, the book will feature traditional and modernized recipes. In short, A History of Connecticut Food will both inform the people of Connecticut about their culinary past and inspire them to explore it.

Explore the story of the birth and growth of Glenside, one of Philadelphia's oldest and most preeminent suburbs.

In 1857, the rutted Germantown & Willow Grove Turnpike passed through farmland as it crossed paths with the bustling North Penn Railroad. The community of Glenside would one day be the result of that crossing. A visitor getting off the train would see green vistas of rolling fields, tasseled corn, and lounging cows. Discovering the area in the mid-nineteenth century, wealthy industrialists constructed lavish country estates to escape the health perils of the city in the summer, and by the end of the century, enterprising developers had begun dividing the land into plots for respectable country homes for Philadelphia’s burgeoning middle class.

Historian Thomas J. Wieckowski tells the entertaining story of how one of Philadelphia’s first and most esteemed suburban communities grew from such humble beginnings.

Join author M. Patrick Hendrix as he follows the tumultuous lives of the men who fought to control the most revered monuments to the war.

In 1829, construction began on a fort atop a rock formation in the mouth of Charleston Harbor. Decades later, Fort Sumter was near completion on December 26, 1860, when Major Robert Anderson occupied it in response to the growing hostilities between the North and South. As a symbol of sedition for the North and holy ground for the South, possession of Fort Sumter was deemed essential to both sides when the Civil War began. By 1864, the fort, heavily bombarded by Union artillery, was a shapeless mass of ruins, mostly bermed rubble and sand with a garrison of Confederate soldiers holding its ground.

Join former forest manager Champ Zumbrun as he traverses hidden trails to tell the remarkable story of Green Ridge State Forest.

Green Ridge State Forest is a haven of calm and natural beauty among the Appalachians of western Maryland. This land was once the frontier of the nation, and trailblazers such as Thomas Cresap and George Washington were among the first Europeans to discover its wonders: the swift Potomac, the flowering dogwood and pine in the mountain reaches and the nighttime calls of the bobcat and the barred owl. The vision and stewardship of people like forester Fred W. Besley preserved the forest for future generations of hikers, explorers and families. Join former forest manager Champ Zumbrun as he traverses hidden trails to tell the remarkable story of Green Ridge State Forest.

Learn more about the Father of the Franchise Industry in this illuminating history about the Howard Johnson restaurant franchise and the man behind it all.

Howard Johnson created an orange-roofed empire of ice cream stands and restaurants that stretched from Maine to Florida, and all the way to the West Coast. With a reputation for good food at affordable prices, hungry customers would regularly return for more. The attractive white Colonial Revival restaurants, with eye-catching porcelain tile roofs, illuminated cupolas and sea blue shutters, were described in Reader's Digest in 1949 as the epitome of eating places that look like New England town meeting houses dressed up for Sunday. Highlighted in television shows such as Mad Men and films Netflix's 2019 The Irishman, it's obvious that Howard Johnson's occupies an indelible and pleasant place popular culture. Boston historian and author Anthony M. Sammarco recounts how Howard Johnson introduced twenty-eight flavors of ice cream, the Tendersweet clam strips, grilled frankforts and a menu of delicious and traditional foods that families eagerly enjoyed when they traveled.

Author and local hunting connoisseur Bob Plott takes readers on a quest back through time for a glimpse into the minds and the rifles of the region's most intrepid hunters.

The age-old struggle of man versus beast has ensued within the rugged terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains since humans first encountered the region centuries ago. From the primitive weaponry and prevailing tactics of the Cherokee to the audacious rifle-toting ridge runners, and even a gruesome gang of cannibalistic rogues, these stories are truly a gripping tribute to mountain life and the adventure of the game.

Many Americans are familiar with Thomas Edison's invention factory in Menlo Park, where he patented the phonograph, the light bulb and more than one thousand other items. Yet many other ideas have grown in the Garden State, too.

New Jerseyans brought sound and music to movies and built the very first drive-in theater. In addition to the first cultivated blueberry, tasty treats like ice cream cones and M&Ms are also Jersey natives. Iconic aspects of American life, like the batting cage, catcher's mask and even professional baseball itself, started in New Jersey. Life would be a lot harder without the vacuum cleaner, plastic and Band-Aids, and many important advances in medicine and surgery were also developed here. Join author Linda Barth as she explores groundbreaking, useful, fun and even silly inventions and their New Jersey roots.

James Island remains one of the few places in the United States where descendants of slaves can easily trace their roots to one of the seventeen slave plantations.

For many African Americans, it is hard to imagine how far this small island on the coast of South Carolina has come. It has left them with a legacy of the pain of living in a time and place wrought with hardship but somehow still intermingled with the happiness that comes from a community built on family, love, strength and honor. In this powerful collection, local resident and oral historian Eugene Frazier chronicles the stories of various James Island families and their descendants. Frazier has spent years collecting family and archival photographs and family remembrances to accompany the text, while also paying homage to men and women of the United States military and African American pioneers from James Island and surrounding areas.

Journalist and historian Chuck McShane traces the triumphs and troubles of Lake Norman from the region's colonial beginnings to its modern incarnation.

On a muggy September day in 1959, North Carolina governor Luther Hodges set off the first charge of dynamite for the Cowan's Ford Dam project. The dam channeled Catawba River waters into the largest lake in North Carolina: Lake Norman. The project was the culmination of James Buchanan Duke's dream of an electrified South and the beginning of the region's future. Over the years, the area around Lake Norman transformed from a countryside of cornstalks and cattle fields to an elite suburb full of luxurious subdivisions and thirty-five-foot sailboats.