A Landscape History of New England

About this book

A Landscape History of New England takes a view of New Englandslandscapes that goes beyond picture postcard-ready vistas of white-steepled churches open pastures and tree-covered mountains. Its chapters for example describe the Native American presence in theMaine Woods; offer a history of agriculture told through stone walls woodlands and farm buildings;report on the fragile ecology of tourist-friendly Cape Cod beaches; and reveal the ethnicstereotypes informing Colonial Revivalism. Taken together they offer a wide-ranging history of NewEnglands diverse landscapes stretching across two centuries. The book shows thatall New England landscapes are the products of human agency as well as nature. The authors trace theroles that work recreation historic preservation conservation and environmentalism have playedin shaping the region and provide fresh perspectives on New Englands many landscapes: forests mountains farms coasts industrial areas villages towns and cities. Generously illustrated with many archival photographs A Landscape History of New England offers readersa solid historical foundation for understanding the great variety of places that make up NewEngland.