A Guidebook to Virginia's Historical Markers, 2nd Ed.

by John S. Salmon

Book Overview

This new, revised and expanded edition includes 212 new markers, many of which reflect the Native-American, African-American, and social history.A Guidebook to Virginia's Historical Markers brings... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813914914
• ISBN13: 9780813914916
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: University of Virginia Press
• Length: 301 Pages
• Weight: 1.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Good guide to "official" VA markers

Virginia has one of the most extensive highway marker programs of any state in the nation (North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas are close rivals). Although this book details around 1,500 markers, there are many markers situated across the state that are not included. From the introduction: "The traveler should be aware that, while there may be other historical markers that resemble the state's in shape and design, only markers formally approved by the state are included in this book." Why unapproved markers that copy in shape and design approved ones should be allowed is an interesting question, but this review will confine itself to the book at hand. Most VA historical markers (there are about 30 exceptions) were designated by letters (usually corresponding to a major highway) and number. The first part of the book lists all the markers and their texts alphabetically by this letter designation. Realizing this would not be particularly useful to the traveler, the second part of the book arranges the markers by three additional categories: subject, county, and straight alphabetical order by marker's title. Any marker can be found quickly and easily in the guidebook. Travelers in the state with an interest in its history will do well by this book, despite the frustration of not finding all the markers out there listed. It's also fun to look through sitting at home in your favorite chair. A good guide to local history in Virginia.