The Undying Past of Shenandoah National Park

This is the most comprehensive account of the history of Shenandoah National Park, from the prehistoric Native American hunters and gatherers to the mountaineers to the superintendents and rangers of the National Park. The author apparently had done thorough research, as evidenced by the several appendices of historical records. It is also well illustrated, with many drawings and pictures. If you are like me, who was first drawn to this national park by its scenic beauty and became a hiker and camper, after a while you will start noticing the relics of human artifacts -- a cabin in the hollow, a stone chimney by the trail, etc. These things are still "haunting" the park, in the author's words. Then you decided to learn a bit more about the human history of this region. And this is the perfect, and probably even THE book to start. I understand that there are a few books on the history of the mountain people, etc., but none is as comprehensive as this one. Read it if you want to know more about the human aspect of the park, you will not be disappointed.

I found this book to have a wealth of information regarding family names affected by the national park. The prices paid for land was amazing!