Index of all items recorded in will books created by a Virginia county or city during the period 1800-1865. Compiled from microfilm records in the Library of Virginia, and organized by geographic region.

The book includes six chapters that cover Virginia history from initial settlement through the 20th century plus one that deals with the important role of underwater archaeology. Written by prominent archaeologists with research experience in their respective topic areas, the chapters consider important issues of Virginia history and consider how the discipline of historic archaeology has addressed them and needs to address them . Changes in research strategy over time are discussed , and recommendations are made concerning the need to recognize the diverse and often differing roles and impacts that characterized the different regions of Virginia over the course of its historic past. Significant issues in Virginia history needing greater study are identified.

"The land grants listed herein were made by Lord Fairfax prior to the creation of the Virginia Land Office; by the Commonwealth of Virginia, of lands now embracing the State of West Virginia; and, by the State of West Virginia, under its first Constitution."--Page [1].

Bath has a small number of people, and a considerable share of this small number is a new element. To many individuals of the latter class a history of the county will appeal very little. For the above reasons we confine ourselves to a presentation of the more striking and important features in the story of this county. But if, in a commercial sense, this county seemed only a moderately promising field for a local history, it remains very true that Bath is one of the best known counties of the Old Dominion. It is one of the older counties in the Alleghany belt, and it lies on a natural highway of travel and commerce. The story of its evolution is one of much interest. -- Foreword.

The book rings with the names of early inhabitants and prominent citizens. For the genealogist there is the important and wholly fortuitous list of tithables of Pittsylvania County for the year 1767, which enumerates the names of nearly 1,000 landowners and property holders, amounting in sum to a rough census of the county in its infancy. Additional lists include the names, some with inclusive dates of service, of sheriffs, justices of the peace, members of the House of Delegates, 1776-1928, members of the Senate of Virginia, 1776-1928, clerks of the court, and judges.