Virginia's Southside and Piedmont regions have produced some of the finest religious, educational and community leaders in the Old Dominion. Lewis Burwell was a founding father of the commonwealth who served in the House of Burgesses. John Ravenscroft was an early behemoth of regional religious thought known for his passionate promotion of the Episcopal Church and its teachings. The region's history is rich beyond its leaders as well. From early mining operations to the formation of the Christianville Academy to the impact of the Civil War, Southside Virginia is not exempt from the commonwealth's storied past. Join author, historian and local columnist John Caknipe as he compiles his most fascinating columns for the first time to regale readers with Southside Virginia's historic heroes, overlooked history and more.

John Caknipe is a native of Southside Virginia and has written about the evolution of the region since 2007. He has written numerous publications including three books in addition to regular newspaper columns in the News Progress and the South Hill Enterprise. His work has been selected by the Library of Virginia for inclusion in a volume of the Virginia Biography series as well as for use in PBS and NBC television programs. Caknipe has been a college professor for over thirty years.