This volume investigates the historical significance of American industrial sites and structures as a means of understanding the nation's technological and economic development. Theodore Anton Sande, an expert in the field of historic preservation, utilizes a combination of architectural analysis and historical documentation to argue that these sites represent a vital, yet often overlooked, component of the American heritage. The work provides a structured framework for identifying and evaluating the cultural value of industrial remnants.

Experts and historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for those entering the field of industrial archaeology. Readers often note that the prose is accessible while maintaining the academic rigor necessary for historical documentation.