Book excerpt: Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County have the peaceful charm of another era. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this area s celebrated allure comes from a storied past filled with intriguing people and events. Author and local resident Jean Cooper brings Charlottesville s past to life while providing a useful guide to the city s most historic streets, buildings and neighborhoods. This guide invites all to explore different time periods of Charlottesville s history including the colonial era, the War for Independence, the Civil War and early twentieth century. Cooper imparts a wealth of information, revealing fascinating details of Charlottesville s history at every turn."