This book represents a sampling of how many communities through America were founded by descendants of slaves, slave masters and some of the slave master's children; and also other slaves bought from other states and nations in the world (mostly Africa). These slaves developed a social economic cultural, religious life that rivals any nation or people. It documents their experiences and represents a continuum of determined people to survive in a hostile and changing environment in the total world. A great portion of the information for this book grew out of history passed on to the grandchildren by James P. Garland and by his daughter, Laura Garland, and her husband, Robert Shavers. Also, it is hoped that this text may be useful to unrelated members of the Garland Community who may be able to find a context for understanding and remembering their own related past.