One generation opens the road upon which another generation travels. This rings true in many communities throughout the United States and especially in Central Baldwin County, Alabama. Meet the people whose dreams, determination, and perseverance were stronger than the hardships they faced in Pig Trails and Open Roads.

Resident and author Jeanette Dyess Ryan, invites you to come sit in the backyard swing and reminisce over this historical collection of stories and photographs from an era when life in Central Baldwin was simple and uncomplicated. It relives the vision of the early settlers who came by pig trail roads and trains to this remote area of virgin timber and wilderness.

From pioneer doctors to former mayors, outstanding principals and teachers, businessmen, and local people who made a difference, the stories paint a vivid picture of this vibrant community. The anecdotes include a tale about a cracker salesman from Chicago who faced the hurricane of 1906 and a cotton farmer who failed at farming but later became a successful mayor. With these and many other stories in Pig Trails and Open Roads, travel the rough pig trails that began the journey to the smooth, open roads of Central Baldwin today.