Prehistoric southwestern Virginia -- Agricultural settlers -- Turnpikes and romance in the mountains -- Industrial logging discovers Appalachia -- JNF and the rise of national conservation -- The Depression era -- World War II and postwar transitions -- The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area -- From commodity interests to ecological forestry -- Cultural resources -- Sacred land -- Old commons meets the new -- Epilogue -- Appendix A: Pioneer Forest : a case study in modern selective forest management -- Appendix B: Payment in lieu of taxes -- Appendix C: Miscellaneous statistics and recent budget data.
