America's Greatest Library : An Illustrated History of the Library of Congress

"Big Meadows is one of four original multi-use developments constructed along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, a National Historic Landmark that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Shenandoah National Park was one of two national parks in the southern Appalachians authorized by Congress in 1926 and established in the 1930s (Figure 0.1). The 440-acre Big Meadows site is situated at milepost 51 of Skyline Drive, with most of the developed area located on the northwest side of the road and a large, open meadow on the southeast side (Figure 0.2). The development is composed of five historic sub-areas arranged along an access road that include a wayside and visitor center area, picnic grounds, lodge and cabin area, campground, and maintenance area, as well as two non-historic sub-areas consisting of a wastewater treatment facility and employee residences. A series of spurs and interior loop roads provide access to these areas. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the picnic grounds, campground, and maintenance area, including buildings, roadways, parking areas, trails, comfort stations, drinking fountains, log guardrails, boulder bollards, and fireplaces. More recent site furnishings have been introduced in the picnic grounds replacing original CCC work, including picnic tables and grills. The park concessionaire constructed the Big Meadows Lodge along with the Wayside building and guest cabins, following the rustic style developed by the National Park Service to design and build structures that blend into the landscape using native materials and traditional construction methods. Additional buildings have been built since the period of significance (1931 to 1952), most notably the Byrd Visitor Center adjacent to the Wayside. Built as part of the National Park Service Mission-66 program, the Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits and other amenities. Development since the period of significance also includes several employee residences and guest accommodations, an amphitheater, a wastewater treatment plant, and expanded camping facilities"-- Provided by publisher "The Library of Congress occupies an important crossroads in American life, a place where the nation's political and literary cultures intersect. Created by Congress in 1800, it has evolved into a multi-faceted cultural institution serving a national and international audience through a wide array of programs, activities, and outreach. It is the major research arm of the US Congress, America's national library, the nation's copyright agency, and an important innovator and partner in electronic and digital network development. In America's Greatest Library, Library of Congress Historian John Y. Cole highlights the history, personalities, collections, and events that have created and sustained this singular institution. Packed with fascinating stories, compelling images, and little-known nuggets of information, this illustrated history traces the growth of the collections of the world's largest library through a combination of concise chronological milestones, brief essays, vivid photographs, and illustrations." -- From publisher's description Packed with fascinating facts, compelling images, and little-known nuggets of information, this new go-to illustrated guide to the history of the Library of Congress will appeal to history buffs and general readers alike. It distils over two hundred years of history into an engaging read that makes a Washington icon relevant today. History Packed with fascinating facts, compelling images, and little-known nuggets of information, this new go-to illustrated guide to the history of the Library of Congress will appeal to history buffs and general readers alike. It distils 242 years of history into an engaging read that makes a Washington icon relevant today. Part I. For Congress, 1800-1897 -- Part Ii. For The Nation, 1898-1959 -- Part Iii. For The World, 1960-2016. John Y. Cole, Library Of Congress Historian ; Foreword By Carla D. Hayden, Librarian Of Congress. Includes Bibliographical References (page 248) And Index. A new visual history of the Library of Congress from its creation in 1800 to the present day.