The Howe history, printed in 1845, covers the early development of this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes and sightseeing possibilities. Gwathmey's 1937 contribution, sub-titled "Where the Western Migration Began" is a rich resource for the names of prominent families. Many of these early settlers and/or their descendants later migrated to the "western" states of Kentucky, Ohio, etc. Because the booklet is comprised of excerpts from several sources, there may occasionally be duplication of material.

Among the subjects discussed are: Physical Features of the Area, including Totopotomoy Creek; Famous Native Sons -- Patrick Henry, Henry Clay and Col. Baylor; the Rev. Samuel Davies, eloquent Presbyterian minister and president of Princeton, and an anecdote involving King George II; two early ports Page's Warehouse & Newcastle; Pastimes of the people on St. Andrew's Day; Randolph-Macon College at Ashland, and other Schools and Academies, and notable scholars; a vivid account of Patrick Henry's first law case and other incidents in his life;  the Stables of Major Doswell; Planet, Bushwacker, and other famous thoroughbreds;  major landowners, elected officials, military officers and others; the county in the Revolution; Civil War companies: The Patrick Henry Rifles, the Ashland Grays and the Hanover Grays (later Company G of the 15th Virginia Regiment), Morris Artillery, Hanover Artillery and the Ashland Artillery; names of officers; Battles fought on Hanover soil; the historic courthouse and portraits therein; Brief bios of Dr. Henry Rose Carter, instrumental in conquering Yellow Fever, Judge Samuel Redd, Brigadier General Williams Carter Wickham, Richard Henry Cardwell, John Robert Taylor, George Pitman Haw, Thomas White Sydnor, John Enoch Mason, Thomas Nelson Page, Hill Carter, Admiral Hilary P. Jones,William Brockenbrough Newton, Colonel James Littlepage, General Lewis Littlepage, John Carter Littlepage, Nathaniel West Dandridge, Dolly Payne Madison, Judge Peter Lyons, Burkwell Starke, Judge Peter Lyons, Richard Morris, Charles Morris, Judge Richard Henderson, John Kilby, John Paul Jones, Samuel Meredith, Judge Spencer Roane, William B. Giles, John Page, Thomas Sumter, Edmund Ruffin, William Overton Winston, Philip Bickerton Winston, William Overton Winston, Capt. John Winston, Dr. George Hutcheson Denny, Henry Taylor Wickham, Rosewell Page and Francis Johnson Duke ; Excerpts from old record books; Hanover Tavern and Cuckoo Tavern; Col. Chiswell's killing of Robert Routledge; Scotchtown and other notable residences; Col. William Byrd's meeting with Patrick Henry's mother and on another occasion with a light fingered damsel, and other interesting bits of history and trivia.

Illustrations include: the birthplace of Henry Clay; and two views of the Old Hanover Courthouse.