Williamsburg Regional Library

World War I on the Virginia Peninsula, John V. Quarstein ; with Sarah Goldberger, J. Michael Moore, and Tim Smith, Photo Editors

eng

illustrations

no index present

non fiction

World War I on the Virginia Peninsula

43228494

John V. Quarstein ; with Sarah Goldberger, J. Michael Moore, and Tim Smith, Photo Editors

Images of America

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the Virginia Peninsula immediately became a center for the intensive activities required to prepare the nation for war. The fertile farm fields overlooking the James River, Hampton Roads, and the Back River were quickly transformed into military camps, air fields, and training bases. Almost overnight, Newport News became the second leading port for men, horses, and supplies embarking to Europe. Shipyard workers labored around the clock producing ships. Each vessel was considered "a death blow to Prussianism," which was required to achieve victory. The Peninsula experienced rapid population growth, necessitating the construction of houses and public transportation systems. Individuals on the home front worked like "soldiers without guns" as they organized bond drives, provided recreation for doughboys passing through the port, and honored local fallen heroes. This book is first comprehensive pictorial history documenting the events that occurred on the Virginia Peninsula during World War I

Marching into a new century -- Prelude to war -- Defending Hampton Roads -- Into the Wild Blue Yonder -- Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation -- Ships for victory -- The home front -- Welcome home -- Post-war retrenchment

adult