Since 1949, the "Hornbook" has been the definitive, handy reference guide to Virginia history and culture. Among the book's contents are: a concise history of the commonwealth; total population figures, 1610-1990; lists of all the governors, lieutenant governors, and attorneys general from 1607 to the present; brief histories of the counties and cities presently in Virginia along with counties formerly in the commonwealth; concise descriptions of famous houses, places of worship, and other historical sites; and brief histories of the colleges and universities in Virginia. "The Hornbook of Virginia History" is a must on the bookshelf of everyone who reads, researches, writes, or cares about Virginia history. -- From product description.

"On the morning of 26 April 1607, three small ships carrying 143 Englishmen arrived off the Virginia coast of North America, having spent four months at sea.... All hoped for financial success and perhaps a little adventure; as it turned out, their tiny settlement eventually would evolve from colony into a prominent state in an entirely new nation." So begins Old Dominion, New Commonwealth: A History of Virginia, 1607-2007 and the remarkable story behind the founding not only of the state of Virginia but of our nation. With this book, the historians Ronald L. Heinemann, John G. Kolp, Anthony S. Parent Jr., and William G. Shade collaborate to provide a comprehensive, accessible, one-volume history of Virginia, the first of its kind since the 1970s. In seventeen narrative chapters, the authors tackle the four centuries of Virginia’s history from Jamestown through the present, emphasizing the major themes that play throughout Virginia history—change and continuity, a conservative political order, race and slavery, economic development, and social divisions—and how they relate to national events. Including helpful bibliographical listings at the end of each chapter as well as a general listing of useful sources and Websites, the book is truly a treasure trove for any student, scholar, or general-interest reader looking to find out more about the history of Virginia and our nation. Timed to coincide with the 2007 quadricentennial, Old Dominion, New Commonwealth will stand as a classic for years to come.

Defending the Old Dominion describes historical events in Virginia during the War of 1812, examining how Virginia’s militia was organized, supplied, and financed by the Commonwealth. The book discusses the militia’s unpreparedness in training, its lack of adequate ordnance and arms, and how that affected its ability to defend the state against British incursions during the war. Political activities of the Virginia legislature and the U.S. Congress are examined with special reference to how the state financed the war and its relationship with the U.S. government. The book includes the fascinating story of nearly two thousand former slaves who fled to British ships to fight in Virginia with British forces.

In this new edition of the most comprehensive guide to the trails of Virginia, Allen de Hart gives directions to and descriptions of more than 1,400 trails, noting nearby points of interest, botanical and zoological features, and characteristics of the region's terrain. From the mountains to the coast, he covers all national, state, county, and city recreational areas with hiking or interpretive trails accessible to the public. Maps and photographs supplement the descriptions. The third edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect the addition of hundreds of miles to the state's trail systems, showing which trails are best suited for foot traffic, bicycles, and horses, and which trails are handicapped-accessible. The book also includes information on how to prepare for hikes, more comprehensive introductions to parks and scenic areas, and sections on Native American and pioneer trails. This is an indispensable guide for hikers, walkers, birders, anglers, and anyone interested in exploring the Old Dominion's wealth of natural areas. *More than 1,400 trails, including all national, state, and local recreational areas *Virginia's best trail guide--now with 400 additional trails *Includes hundreds of miles of newly developed trails In this new edition of the most comprehensive guide to the trails of Virginia, Allen de Hart gives directions to and descriptions of more than 1,400 trails, noting nearby points of interest, botanical and zoological features, and characteristics of the region's terrain. From the mountains to the coast, he covers all national, state, county, and city recreational areas, including hundreds of miles that are new to the state's trail systems. *Shows trails best suited for wheelchairs, foot traffic, bicycles, and horses *Highlights trails with exceptional scenery, including details on local flora and fauna *An indispensable reference for walkers, hikers, birders, anglers, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors

Virginia has a long and rich history, from the English colony of Jamestown to the battlefields of the Civil War. It is also home to such diverse environments as the Chesapeake Bay and the Appalachian Mountains. Young readers will discover all the Old Dominion State has to offer in this new title, including spreads on wildlife, festivals, and foods.

The classic field guide to snakes found in the Old Dominion, now available in paperback.

The center stage for both the American Revolution and the Civil War, Virginia is one of the most haunted states.