The Last Empty Places

Peter Stark's 'The Last Empty Places' investigates four of the darkest spots on nighttime satellite maps of the continental U.S.

, traveling through northern Maine, western Pennsylvania, southeastern Oregon, and New Mexico.

Combining travel writing, regional history, and natural observation, Stark examines how these sparsely populated landscapes shaped local cultures, settlement patterns, and American ideas about wilderness.

He interweaves interviews with residents, historical context, and reflections on conservation and identity to illuminate the depth and diversity found off the well-worn tourist routes.

The book argues that these 'empty' places hold significant cultural and ecological value often overlooked by mainstream narratives.

Through vivid description and research, Stark celebrates the solitude, resilience, and distinct communities of America's remote regions.