Past and Present

Home to the United States Naval Academy since 1845, Annapolis and its busy harbor attract visitors from around the world.

Since its founding in the 1600s, Annapolis has played an important role in American history. The area became Maryland’s capital in 1694, and its capitol building is the longest in continuous use in the United States. John L. Conley is an Annapolis area writer. The historic images in this book are from his personal collection.

Located along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Williamsport has a unique history.

Two key economic expansions brought millions of dollars to the area, but devastating disasters took their toll on the city, resulting in multiple transformations over time. Comparing our present to our past is how we understand our history. Arcadia’s Past & Present series makes such local comparisons available. Books in this series offer a special view of American life by placing historical images side by side with contemporary photographs.

Brunswick, Georgia, was laid out from a plan by Gen. James Oglethorpe in 1771. Growing quickly after the Civil War, Brunswick became a thriving Gilded Age port for naval industries and shipping as well as a stop off for the wealthiest northern industrialists escaping to the Golden Isles.

Today’s vibrant Old Town Historic District still boasts eye-catching examples of days gone by. Suzanne Hurley is coauthor of The Great Houses of Brunswick and a former communications manager at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joshua Dukes is a digital photograph restoration artist and Brunswick historian.