Dr. Lonnie H. Lee, a member of the Lancaster Virginia Historical Society (LVHS), recently announced the release of his new book, “A Brief History of Belle Isle Plantation, Lancaster County, Virginia, 1650-1782.”

Published in March by Heritage Books, Lee’s work examines an extensive body of original records and archival sources about the early history and ownership of this Rappahannock River property that now comprises Belle Isle State Park. The 170-page book can be purchased from LVHS online at www.mkt.com/maryball or by contacting history@lancastervahistory.org or calling 804-462-7280 for mail order details. The cost is $22.50 ($20.25 for LVHS members), plus postage and sales tax.

According to Karen Hart, executive director of the Lancaster Society, the book features a chapter on each patent holder or owner of the property during the colonial era. These include Thomas Powell, who patented the land in 1650; John Bertrand, a Huguenot-Anglican immigrant clergyman and later ministe...