Birmingham's surrounding hills comprise the only place in the world with a plentiful supply of all the ingredients for iron making. This spurred the city of Birmingham's charter in 1871 around the crossing of two railroads. The city's development into a leading industrial center is shown here in photographs and postcard views, some a century old.

Hopkinsville, the seat of Christian County, Kentucky, has experienced extensive change over the years. This volume studies the transition of a small-town culture from the days of dirt streets and horse-drawn vehicles to paved thoroughfares and motor traffic.

Formed in 1790, Patrick County is named for the Commonwealth of Virginia's first governor, Patrick Henry, who lived in neighboring Henry County. Located along the border of North Carolina where the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Range cross the state line, the "Free State of Patrick" is half piedmont and half mountain plateau. This dividing geographic feature is reflected in the mountain people of Scots-Irish and German descent along with...

Berwyn Heights is a village juxtaposed with an American metropolis, as it lies barely 10 miles from the heart of Washington, D.C. It has changed much since its beginnings in 1888, yet it retains its small-town advantages, illustrating that, though a place may change, its essence remains.

Fort Sheridan is a national historic treasure nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. It was established as an army base in 1887 and decommissioned in 1993, giving way to its rebirth as a township and forest preserve. Laura Tucker, a six-year resident, avid photographer, and Fort Sheridan enthusiast, has researched and compiled a collection of photographs and facts that highlight the ever-changing uses of the structures and the chameleon-like personality...

The 100-year history of Huntington Beach is a rich amalgam of agriculture, oil, surfing, beach culture, aerospace, and small-town America. This comparative, visual evolution of the city is crafted for both locals and tourists alike, featuring some of the most defining views ever captured of Surf City, USA®.

Otsego has a rich and storied past as one of the earliest settlements in southwest Michigan. Founded in 1831, its character has been shaped by a history filled with agriculture, tourism, fascinating people, and remarkable commerce--particularly the manufacturing of paper. Otsego has seen the rise and fall and recent rebirth of the local papermaking industry, and it is now poised to progress through the 21st century with a renewed sense of vigor.

California's capital city, Sacramento, has played many roles over time, including Gold Rush boomtown, railroad terminus, regional industrial center, and seat of state government. These varied roles meant dramatic changes as the city grew outward and upward.

The rushing Nolichucky River cut deep gorges into Unicoi County's landscape, and the railroad laid track for the town of Erwin's future. Formed in 1875, Unicoi County's 201 square miles border North Carolina, with nearly 50 percent of the land protected by the U.S. government. Known as "the Valley Beautiful," this community comes alive through images of yesterday and today.

Lake Forest is a picturesque city built on the shores of Lake Michigan and has been home to Chicago's capitalist families, who developed estates around beautiful Lake Forest College. For over 150 years, the Lake Forest Central Business District has been the heart of the community.