From books about Malden to those written by its residents, Malden’s legacy is preserved in the pages of these books. Explore the titles that capture the history, heart, and enduring spirit of the area.
Virginia Slavery and King Salt in Booker T. Washington’s Boyhood Home
by Larry Linwell Rowe
Larry L. Rowe explores the deep historical roots of the Kanawha Valley, with a particular focus on the legacy of Booker T. Washington and the local salt industry. His work provides a detailed look at Malden’s past, preserving the stories that shaped our community for future generations.
Up from Slavery
by Booker T. Washington
This classic American autobiography details Washington’s journey from a childhood in slavery to his formative years working in the salt furnaces and coal mines of Malden. It provides a firsthand account of his early education in the village and the lessons of discipline he learned while living in the Kanawha Salines.
The Story of My Life and Work
by Booker T. Washington
In this earlier account of his life, Washington focuses on his transition from a laborer to a student and his eventual return to Malden as a teacher. It captures the spirit of the post-war community and his enduring commitment to bringing education and opportunity back to his home village.
Black Past: The African-American Heritage of the Kanawha Valley
by James D. Randall and Anna E. Gilmer
A historical book documenting the African-American experience in Charleston, West Virginia, and the surrounding areas. It serves as a vital record of a community affected by urban renewal, preserving the stories and legacy of the families, businesses, and churches that defined the region’s heritage.
Through the Fading Darkness, A New American Novel
by Zac Northup with Nancy Bruns
Based on actual 18th-century family records, this gripping adventure follows a group of frontiersmen, slaves, and Native American chiefs struggling to survive the 1774 Appalachian frontier. Featuring Nancy Bruns of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, the story centers on the historical figure John Dickinson and explores the hope and tragedy of those who risked everything for freedom.
Maddie Goes to Malden
by Martin Lucas and Kimberli Milhoan
A charming children's book that introduces young readers to the unique history and landmarks of our historic village. Through Maddie's adventures, children can discover the magic of Malden’s past in a way that is both educational and fun.
The Antebellum Kanawha Salt Business and Western Markets
by John E. Stealey
This book offers a deep dive into how the local salt industry started and why it became so important to the rest of the country. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to see exactly how the "salt city" of Malden functioned back in its heyday.
Storming Heaven
by Denise Giardina
This story is a historical novel that really captures the grit and heart of the people living in the West Virginia coal and salt camps. Giardina uses those salt camps as the historical anchor for the story, showing how the families moved from the salt furnaces (like the ones that built Malden) into the coal mines.
Pioneers and Their Homes on Upper Kanawha
by Ruth Woods Dayton
This essential historical volume documents the early settlers of the Kanawha Valley and the architectural legacies they left behind. It features detailed histories and illustrations of landmark homes, including some historic structures like the Putney House that still define the character of Malden today.
Kanawha County Images Volume 1: A Bicentennial History, 1788-1988
by Stan Cohen and Richard Andre
This volume captures the early evolution of Kanawha County, tracing its growth from prehistoric settlements to the rise of the salt industry. Through a rich collection of rare photographs, it documents the people and places that defined the region’s first century of development.
Kanawha County Images Volume 2: A Bicentennial History, 1788-1988
by Stan Cohen and Richard Andre
Continuing the visual history of the region, Volume 2 focuses on the county's expansion during the 20th century, highlighting the shift toward the chemical industry. It serves as a vivid memory lane, preserving images of local landmarks, social clubs, and daily life in the bustling valley.
Campbell’s Creek A Portrait of a Coal Mining Community
by Todd Hanson
A visual documentation and tribute to the people and culture of nearby Campbell’s Creek, capturing the industrial life of the Kanawha Valley. This expanded reprint combines the original 1989 text with 136 new pages, featuring over 450 photographs, maps, and illustrations spanning 200 years of regional history.
Bullets & Steel: The Fight for the Great Kanawha Valley 1861-1865
by Richard Andre, Stan Cohen & Bill Wintz
This book provides a comprehensive look at the strategic military campaigns and local struggles that defined the Civil War in West Virginia. It is an essential read for history buffs who want to understand the pivotal role the Kanawha Valley played in the conflict between the North and the South.