This work is a compilation of data found in 1,510 marriage records of Westmoreland County, Virginia, for the years 1850 through 1880. The index, which is made up of over 12,000 entries, contains a heading for C.S.A. to list 212 Confederate soldiers identified.

Abstracted from the records in the Clerk's Office of Westmoreland County, this work contains a list of about 2,500 marriage bonds showing the names of approximately 6,000 brides, grooms, parents and sureties, the exact date of each bond, and, in some instances, the contracting parties' dates of birth and the place of marriage. With a brides' index.

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.