Augusta County: Virginia's Western Frontier by Gordon Barlow

It is with pleasure that I bring to you my narrative on colonial Virginia history and the Augusta County Frontier. This narrative is guided by my research and by the study of documents, artifacts, and my collecting of Virginia artifacts for more than 50 years. The research of others has also guided and enhanced my book.

In the absence of period documents, artifacts with family history are often the only tangible evidence available when studying early history. The intent of this publication is to provide the reader an overview of the history that shaped the culture of the Augusta County frontier.

In 1927, Fred Barnard, wrote; "A picture is worth 10,000 words". I have incorporated photographs of period artifacts and artist sketches associated with Virginia culture and historic events to provide visual association that I hope wi11 have a lasting impression on the reader. Perhaps after reading this publication, you will consider beginning an intellectual journey that results in research and travel to the many museums that interpret Virginia history.

We must never forget the Native Americans that roamed or lived in Augusta County and the woman, men, and children that were the early settlers on the Augusta County frontier. We are thankful that they left behind their personal artifacts for us to study and enjoy.