  We calculate the chromatic polynomials $P((G_s)_m,q)$ and, from these, the
asymptotic limiting functions $W(\{G_s\},q)=\lim_{n \to \infty}P(G_s,q)^{1/n}$
for families of $n$-vertex graphs $(G_s)_m$ comprised of $m$ repeated subgraphs
$H$ adjoined to an initial graph $I$. These calculations of $W(\{G_s\},q)$ for
infinitely long strips of varying widths yield important insights into
properties of $W(\Lambda,q)$ for two-dimensional lattices $\Lambda$. In turn,
these results connect with statistical mechanics, since $W(\Lambda,q)$ is the
ground state degeneracy of the $q$-state Potts model on the lattice $\Lambda$.
For our calculations, we develop and use a generating function method, which
enables us to determine both the chromatic polynomials of finite strip graphs
and the resultant $W(\{G_s\},q)$ function in the limit $n \to \infty$. From
this, we obtain the exact continuous locus of points ${\cal B}$ where
$W(\{G_s\},q)$ is nonanalytic in the complex $q$ plane. This locus is shown to
consist of arcs which do not separate the $q$ plane into disconnected regions.
Zeros of chromatic polynomials are computed for finite strips and compared with
the exact locus of singularities ${\cal B}$. We find that as the width of the
infinitely long strips is increased, the arcs comprising ${\cal B}$ elongate
and move toward each other, which enables one to understand the origin of
closed regions that result for the (infinite) 2D lattice.
