Bøger udgivet af Arcadia Publishing Inc.

Exeter, New Hampshire's history mirrors that of the country. Founded by a minister searching for religious freedom, the town played a part in the American Revolution and birthed notable sons and daughters with worldwide impacts. But to those residents and current ones, Exeter is simply "home.

Located primarily in the southernmost regions of Calhoun County with portions in Talladega and Cleburne Counties, Oxford was established on February 7, 1852, by an act of state legislation. Oxford, originally referred to as Lick Skillet, was settled in the 1830s by the Snow and Simmons families. The economy of Oxford for many decades was primarily based on self-sustaining agriculture and trade. During the post-Civil War era, Oxford boomed as a cotton training destination, which assisted in the economic prosperity of cotton production in the 1880s. In the 20th century, Oxford prospered as a cotton manufacturing town with the establishment of Blue Springs Cotton Mill. The business district thrived with numerous drug, dry goods, and mercantile stores. Oxford Lake was the hub of recreation for the county, featuring a dance hall, bowling alley, trolley lines, and boat rides. The people of Oxford deeply believed in family values, education, and faith.

As the 20th century got under way, Asbury Park was booming. Real estate advertisements promoted a residential resort "where country meets the sea." The nearly one-square-mile gridded municipality attracted individuals who saw opportunities, from architects and artists to entrepreneurs and people looking for employment. But with the death of its founder and leading benefactor, James A. Bradley, and the rise of machine politics under Mayor Clarence E.F. Hetrick, Asbury Park's civic and economic fortunes started to change. In World War II's long aftermath, suburbs, shopping malls, and modern amusement destinations sprang up outside its municipal borders. Its once-bustling economy faltered, and civil unrest festered until 1970, when it turned violent. It took more than 10 years for new changes to find their way to the drawing boards. But it was in the 21st century that new business and civic leaders with a more inclusive pioneering spirit started turning Asbury Park's fortunes around.