The Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) awarded the local history book, Grand County published by Arcadia Publishing Images of America, a silver medal for the 2026 Book Awards Season. MWSA member and author and State Aviation Journal contributor, Penny Rafferty Hamilton, used her academic research skills and extensive knowledge of local history to write the local history book.
The MWSA reviewers said, “This book includes extensive regional and military history, featuring: General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s connection to the area, World War I Spruce airplane division activities, and The Women’s Land Army of World War II. Important local milestones including Emily Warner Field, beloved local physician Doc Susie, and historic railroad developments which literally built towns and performed engineering feats which live on today.”
The author thanked MWSA for the award. “This history gem, celebrating 150 years of our unique local history would not have been possible without the support of the Grand County Historical Association and County Commissioners, and a long list of local history buffs, businesses, and organizations who contributed photographs and stories.” Dr. Hamilton was Grand County Citizen of the Year, and is a Laureate of the Colorado Women’s, Authors, and Aviation Halls of Fame. Multi-award-winning photographer and writer. Her web site is www.PennyHamilton.com
Military Writers Society of America announced the final winners at the MWSA annual conference and awards banquet in Orlando, FL, Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The Arcadia Publishing Images of America series is local pictorial history for all ages. In Grand County, stories of rugged prospectors who created towns named Coulter, Gaskill, Lulu City, and Teller are told using archival photographs. Tales of early homesteaders, loggers, merchants, and the Moffat Railroad which built Arrow, Hideaway Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, and grew Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall, Kremmling, and Radium. Today, tourists flock to Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho National Forest, and award-winning dude ranches and resorts to enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful lakes, mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife. Curated with over 200 photographs, Grand County is for readers interested in true stories of Western grit and courage.
