Library Publishes Books on County’s Vote To Secede, Return to Union

What was Fairfax County’s role in events leading up to and following the Civil War? History buffs and genealogists will be interested in two books, published by the Fairfax County Public Library in 2001. Fractured Land and Return to Union are available for $14 each or as a set for $25, from the Fairfax County Gift Shop.

Both books were compiled by the library’s Virginia Room historian, Brian Conley. Fractured Land includes transcriptions of pre-Civil War newspaper articles, as well as the names of Fairfax County residents who voted for and against secession. Return to Union presents reconstruction-era newspaper articles, as well as a transcription of the original hand-written poll list on the vote in 1879 to adopt the Virginia Constitution and reenter the Union.

The Friends of the Fairfax City Regional Library financed the printing of the books.