The Price of Permanence

More about the book

Framing the New South as a battleground for environmental stewardship, this book challenges the notion that post-Civil War southerners prioritized economic growth over resource conservation. It reveals how business leaders and public officials sought to balance profit with environmental quality through the concept of "permanence." This idea sparked conflicts among various stakeholders as they navigated the complexities of resource use, ultimately influencing the development of the modern South. The narrative highlights the intricate relationship between economic ambitions and environmental considerations.