The Preservation of History in Fairfax County, Virginia presents an overview of one urban county's efforts to retain its historic and archaeological sites in the face of increasing developmental pressures during the past thirty-five years. It provides a thorough review of historical development in the county as well as practical guidance on how decisions were developed. Written by two distinguished historians, Ross and Nan Netherton, who were part of the process from the beginning, this study presents a perspective which only familiarity with its successes and failures can bestow. This book is both a historical survey and a "how-to" manual for government officials and preservationists.

Explains the purpose of historic structure reports, describes their value to the preservation of significant historic properties, outlines how reports are commissioned and prepared, and recommends an organizational format for such reports.