Buildings Of West Virginia

Buildings of West Virginia provides a comprehensive guide to the state's built environment, from the prehistoric mounds that are its earliest structures to buildings that have shaped its image--log cabins, elegant spas, and coal company towns--to its everyday commercial, industrial, government, religious, and domestic structures. Buildings and sites are described and interpreted in some 1,000 guidebook entries illustrated with approximately 375 photographs and keyed to 60 maps. Throughout, West Virginia's architecture is related to its distinctive geography, natural resources, early prosperity and later economic decline, and colorful history, first as part of the colony and state of Virginia and then as the Mountain State. About the Buildings of the United States Series : Buildings of West Virginia is the ninth volume to be published in the monumental Buildings of the United States , a series that Edwin McDowell of the New York Times has called "one of the most ambitious in publishing history." Sponsored by the Society of Architectural Historians, the series is modeled on and inspired by the Buildings of England, the classic, multivolume work written by the eminent British architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner.

Old Dominion's built environment has grown and changed extensively since its beginnings and the Buildings of Virginia reflects those changes. The book chronicles Williamsburg, a restored eighteenth-century town with the Governor's Palace and the Christopher Wren building. And journeys farther west to Richmond, the state capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. It then captures the many historical sites including the birthplaces of George Washington and Robert E. Lee in Westmoreland County. Along with this, the chapters delve into the agricultural history of the state, the expansion of the railroad, and construction of deepwater facilities. And, finally, to the times during and after World War II when manufacturing, military activities, and the growth of the federal establishment accelerated the trends toward industrialization and urbanization. Virginia's influences are truly far reaching--virtually every American city shares some of its architectural style. Approximately 800 buildings and 450 photographs and maps are included in this volume's discussion, truly exhibiting the range of architecture that make up this region. Written by the voice behind A&E's America's Castles, this book is an ideal source for research in architectural history and sociology. Travelers and general readers can also utilize the book as a companion to the many fascinating sites throughout eastern Virginia.

Within the picturesque borders of Jefferson County, West Virginia remain the vestiges of a history filled with Civil War battles and political rebellion. Yet also woven into the historical landscapeof this small county nestled within the Shenandoah Valley is an unusual collection of historic homes. In this fascinating architectural exploration, John C. Allen, Jr. details his expansive seven-year survey of Jefferson County's historic residences. By focusing on dwellings built from the mid-eighteenth century to the arrival of the railroad and canal in 1835, Allen unfolds the unique story of this area's early building traditions and architectural innovations. The 250 buildings included in this work - from the plantation homes of the Washington family to the log houses of yeomen farmers - reveal the unique development of this region, as Allen categorizes structures and establishes patterns of construction, plan, and style. Allen's refreshing perspective illuminates the vibrant vernacular architecture of Jefferson County, connecting the housing of this area to the rich history of the Shenandoah Valley. Varying features of house siting, plan types, construction techniques, building materials, outbuildings, and exterior and interior detailing illustrate the blending of German, Scots-Irish, English, and African cultures into a distinct, regional style. Adorned with over seven hundred stylish photographs by Walter Smalling and elegant drawings, floor plans, and maps by Andrew Lewis, Uncommon Vernacular explores and preserves this historic area's rich architectural heritage.

Even though the West Virginia Capitol deviated from the design of legendary architect Cass Gilbert, the iconic building is still considered a masterpiece. The full story of the Capitol is filled with twists and turns, from the fortunate fire that burned its predecessor to the tug of war between Wheeling and Charleston for the designation of state capital. Revisit the to-gild-or-not-to-gild debate that raged around the construction of the Capitol's signature crown, which once was in danger of collapsing on itself or toppling in heavy winds. Join Charleston author Jim Wallace for this captivating account of West Virginia's architectural jewel.