From synopsis:
“Following the Old Buffalo and Nickajack Trails, Native Americans and early settlers were the first citizens of present-day Watauga County. In 1752, Bishop August Spangenburg, the earliest documented explorer, traveled through this steep terrain and noted the necessity of crawling on hands and knees to stay balanced. Located among the Blue Ridge Mountains, Watauga County grew slowly with few settlers until after the Civil War. The Boone and Blowing Rock Turnpike began to open up the area to commerce and tourists in the 1880’s. The establishment of the Watauga Academy in 1899, several ski resorts, and upscale residential developments has changed the landscape. The towns of Boone and Blowing Rock have been listed as some of the best small towns in America and continue to attract new residents and visitors.
Regional authors and historians Donna Gayle Akers and Brian Lambeth have researched the area’s history and present the reader a photographic journey through time. This is Donna’s sixth book in the Images of America series. An avid genealogist and historian, she can trace her family lineage back through eight generations of Virginians. Brian is fascinated with uncovering history and making it accessible through books, the Internet, and historical societies. He has contributed to two of Donna’s Images of America books.
The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.”