Discover the History of Accokeek in New Book

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Oct. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- Accokeek is the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series. The book, written by local author Kenneth Bryson, is set to release on November 4, 2013 and contains over 200 vintage images.

Accokeek is an unincorporated place in the southwest corner of Prince George’s County, Md. The name “Accokeek” is an Algonquian word meaning “at the edge of the hill.” Before the arrival of Capt. John Smith in 1623, indigenous people had occupied the area intermittently for thousands of years. After an initial increase in the European population and a corresponding decline in the number of American Indians, the population of Accokeek stabilized.

Since World War II, the size and diversity of the population have changed rapidly. In 1942, Indian Head Naval Reservation Access Road was constructed. The major highway passes through Accokeek and connects residents to federal government jobs in Indian Head to the south and Washington, DC, to the north. Today, Accokeek citizens continue efforts to preserve the natural environment and historical landmarks from development.  This book looks at the many facets of Accokeek’s past through a stunning collection of images.

Highlights of Accokeek include:

•Images from the National Colonial Farm Museum show life at the time of the American Revolution.
•The story of John Edward “Grit” Bruce, who was born along Piscataway Creek as a slave and went on to become a prominent writer and newspaper man.
•Highlights Accokeek artists and musicians including sculptor Lenore Thomas Straus and guitarist Danny Gatton, who was called “the world’s greatest unknown guitar player.”

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.