Background
Published in 2013, Images of America: Spotsylvania County by John F. Cummings III focuses on the county’s Civil War history, particularly its role as the site of several major battles including Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Through a curated selection of historical photographs, maps, and portraits, Cummings documents the war’s impact on the local landscape and its people, including soldiers, civilians, and landmarks that witnessed the conflict. The book places emphasis on battlefield preservation, historic memory, and the ways in which Spotsylvania has commemorated its past over the decades.
My Thoughts
While I was hoping for more of a history of the area, this book primarily centered on the Civil War and it’s influence on the region. I found the stories interesting and the photographs fascinating. However, I was hoping for much more. The title of the book was misleading as it should have included the Civil War rather than generically labeled as it was.
Regardless, I enjoyed it.
Recommendation
If you are a Civil War buff, this book will be of interest.