Through a fascinating narrative and stunning vintage photographs, readers will discover the struggles and triumphs of the African Americans of Hampton Roads. It was in Hampton Roads, Virginia, that hundreds gained their freedom. The teeming wharves were once a major station on the Underground Railroad, and during the Civil War, escaped slaves such as Shepard Mallory, Frank Baker and James Townsend fled to Fort Monroe to become contrabands under the protection of General Benjamin Butler. Upon arrival in the region, many took up arms for the Union, and the valiant deeds of some placed them among the first African American Medal of Honor recipients. Join Professor Cassandra L. Newby-Alexander as she charts the history of this remarkable African American community from the Civil War to Reconstruction.

Before the Jamestown colonists reached their final shore, they arrived at a place they named Cape Henry, and beyond that lay an inlet that would one day shelter the towns of Hampton Roads: Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The images collected in Historic Photos of Greater Hampton Roads offer a remarkable glimpse into the history of these unique communities. Included among hundreds of photographs are snapshots of Naval Station Norfolk, the Atlantic and the Chamberlin hotels, the Planters works, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad station, St. John's Church, Norfolk's City Market, the 1907 Jamestown Ter-Centennial, the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the Glenn Curtiss flying school, and countless others.

Our One Common Country explores the most critical meeting of the Civil War. Given short shrift or overlooked by many historians, the Hampton Roads Conference of 1865 was a crucial turning point in the War between the States. In this well written and highly documented book, James B. Conroy describes in fascinating detail what happened when leaders from both sides came together to try to end the hostilities. The meeting was meant to end the fighting on peaceful terms. It failed, however, and the war dragged on for two more bloody, destructive months. Through meticulous research of both primary and secondary sources, Conroy tells the story of the doomed peace negotiations through the characters who lived it. With a fresh and immediate perspective, Our One Common Country offers a thrilling and eye-opening look into the inability of our nation’s leaders to find a peaceful solution. The failure of the Hamptons Roads Conference shaped the course of American history and the future of America’s wars to come.

Take a trip down memory lane to beloved destinations for fun and families across Virginia's tidewater. Cruise the rails of Ocean View Amusement Park's "The Rocket" roller coaster, dig for fossils at Hampton's Rice's Fossil Pit, celebrate the winter season at Portsmouth's Coleman's Nursery and learn the significant role that Buckroe Beach's Bay Shore Beach Park played in American history. From the Great White Fleet to a Wild West park, journey through this vibrant history with author and historian Nancy E. Sheppard and discover whether such cherished places can ever truly be lost.

Norfolk Southern Railway's history in southeastern Virginia began in the mid-19th century when a young civil engineer named William Mahone designed an innovative 12-mile-long roadbed through the Great Dismal Swamp that is still in use today. Trees were felled and laid side by side at right angles beneath the swamp's surface, forming a corduroy road, with the roadbed built on top of the logs. The logs sank into the boggy swamp, where they were preserved. Nearly 170 years later, Mahone's corduroy design continues to serve as a major route for Norfolk Southern traffic, supporting millions of tons of freight each year as the railroad provides extensive service throughout Hampton Roads. One of the nation's largest Class 1 railroads, Norfolk Southern was created through the merger of Roanoke-based Norfolk & Western Railway and Washington, DC-based Southern Railway in June 1982.

Very Virginia is Tradition with a Twist. Virginia is famous for her rich history and tradition of southern graciousness. Between these pages, you will find the best of Virginia's hospitality generously seasoned with contemporary flair. Over 400 triple-tested recipes emphasizing fresh ingredients and food indigenous to Virginia, such as Crab Mousse, Shenandoah Apple Muffins, Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Sugar Coated Peanuts, Grilled Breast of Duck, and many more. Seasonal menus for gracious entertaining with suggestions for wine accompaniment. Enjoy a Holiday Breakfast, Terrace Supper, or Moonlight Cruise. An entire section devoted to pastas with appealing entrees such as Bow Ties with Prosciutto and Southern Shrimp Pasta. Quick and easy favorites. Our Quick Raspberry Tart and Chesapeake Crab Spread are perfect for cooks on a tight schedule who like to serve wonderful dishes. *Kids in the Kitchen, a section of child-tested favorites and delightful recipes to prepare with your children including Graham Cracker Brownies and Spaghetti Pie.