Three centuries of Utopian dreams came true in the 1890s, when a group of idealists founded Fairhope as a cooperative colony on a lush bluff along Alabama�s Gulf Coast. The visionary settlers thought their experimental village had a �fair hope� of success. An oasis of idealism and equality, Fairhope not only succeeded but grew into an elegant enclave of individualism and intellect. The bayside town is the world�s oldest and largest single-tax colony as well as a popular resort that draws v...

The Garden District of New Orleans has enthralled residents and visitors alike since it arose in the 1830's with its stately white-columned Greek Revival mansions and double-galleried Italianate houses decorated with lacy cast iron. Photographer West Freeman evokes the romance of this elegant neighborhood with lovely images of private homes, dazzling gardens, and public structures. Author Jim Fraiser vividly details the historical significance and architectural styles of more than a hundre...

This collection uncovers the fascinating past of Tennessee's legendary Music City from true tall tales to larger than life characters and much more.Perched on the banks of the Cumberland River, Nashville is best known for its role in the civil rights movement, world-class education and, of course, country music. In this unique collection of columns written for The Tennessean, journalist and longtime Tennessee native George Zepp illuminates a less familiar ...

Waukegan, Illinois has a long history, with a rich and varied heritage. Countless individuals, businesses, and organizations have contributed to that heritage, and continue today to contribute to the legacy of this community. One of Waukegan's most notable citizens was Jack Benny. Throughout his long career he regularly cited his hometown and its influence on him, and he often contributed to the city with his many appearances. But he wasn't the only person to bring fame to Waukegan. Edward...

Route 66 goes through the heart of Illinois: between the great cities of Chicago and St. Louis, there are 300 miles of adventure, history, culinary delights, and quirky attractions. This is the "Land of Lincoln" and roadside giants. There are cozy motels, cozy diners, and Cozy Dogs. Interstate 55 will speed travelers to their destination, but Route 66 offers something more. It goes through the hearts of the towns, wandering onto old brick pavement far from the roar of the interstate. Histo...

"A visual testament to the quiet, past-haunted beauty of the Indiana environment, both natural and man-made." — BloomThe work of T. C. Steele, William Forsyth, J. Ottis Adams, Otto Stark, and Richard Gruelle, known collectively as the Hoosier Group, established plein air ("in the open air") painting as a major art form in Indiana. The vitality of this style is represented in Painting Indiana III: Heritage of Place, which includes one hundred juried...

In the late 1890s, the Blue Ridge Parkway was envisioned by many as a great getaway and nature preserve. The concept materialized in the early 20th century, when John D. Rockefeller donated the first $5 million to begin purchasing land for the project. Located at the top of the great Appalachian ridges, the parkway covers 469 winding miles of mountains and meadows lined with lush wildflowers, old farms, and split-rail fences. Inspiring scenery makes for a journey rich in history and mounta...

The Dixie Highway, once a main thoroughfare from Chicago to Miami, was part of an improved network of roads traversing the landscape of 10 states. A product of the Good Roads Movement of the early 20th century, construction on the highway in Illinois took place from 1916 to 1921. When completed in 1921, the Dixie Highway was the longest continuous paved road in the state. It ran through parts of Cook, Will, Kankakee, Iroquois, and Vermilion Counties, with service stations, roadside diners,...

Based solely on vintage postcards, this important new book is a unique addition to the small number of works devoted to the history of Morgan County. Captured here in more than 220 commercially produced and personal real-photo postcards is a chronicle of the past 100 years in Martinsville (the county seat), Mooresville, Morgantown, Waverly, and other communities that have been imprinted on the local landscape. This visual record showcases the people, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, rec...

Based on vintage postcards, this new book is a unique and welcome addition to the small number of works devoted to the history of Martinsville. Captured here in more than 220 postcard images is an important chronicle of the past 100 years in the 'City of Mineral Water.' This visual record showcases the sanitariums'including the glorious Home Lawn and its sibling, the Martinsville'industries and businesses, buildings and people, courthouse square, and special events that shaped the past and...

There is no better way to see America than on foot. And there is no better way to appreciate what you are looking at than with a walking tour. Whether you are preparing for a road trip or just out to look at your own town in a new way, a downloadable walking tour is ready to explore when you are.Each walking tour describes historical and architectural landmarks and provides pictures to help out when those pesky street addresses are missing. Every tour also includes a quick primer o...

At the mouth of Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie sits the city of Sandusky, Ohio. Described in a 1940 Life magazine article as "perhaps most nearly representative of the whole nation," Sandusky has an eclectic history that is both unique and familiar. It is a city of commerce, of industry, and of recreation. Home to one of the oldest and largest amusement parks in the United States, visited and written about by Charles Dickens, and employed as a campaign stop by numerous presidential candidates, ...