On-Site Research
There is something so thrilling about seeing things my characters would have seen had they been actual people instead of just figments of my imagination. I love being able to research historical settings in person when possible. I don’t get to do this with every book, but since my stories are set in Texas, research trips are often within reach. Many times I rely on historic maps and local histories to get the lay of the land since not all towns have preserved their historic buildings. But if I have the chance to see elements with my own eyes, it is such a blessing.
One town that is less than an hour’s drive from where I live has done an excellent job at preserving their local history, and I decided it was past time I featured this town in a book. In fact, I’m setting my entire next series there. Albany, Texas.
Albany has a rich history, one that is reenacted annually at the Fort Griffin Fandangle. Albany has ties to Fort Griffin and the settlement known as “The Flat” that sprang up nearby. This settlement became one of the most lawless places of the western frontier. You might recognize the names of some of its temporary residents: Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, and Bat Masterson. It was also a supply post for cattle drives heading north to Dodge City. But citizens looking for more a more civilized place to live, began buying up lots a few miles away, giving birth to the town of Albany. When the railroad chose to come through their town in 1881, Albany grew, and the The Flat withered away.
The first book in my Secret Society of Spinsters series features a heroine who is a temperance reformer and a deputy tasked with keeping the peace. Several scenes take place around the courthouse square. And wth my deputy living in the local jailhouse, a large number of scenes take place in that location as well. Guess which two historical buildings are the most well-preserved in Albany? Yep. The courthouse and the old jail.
Not only is the courthouse gorgeous on the outside, but they have preserved much of the historical details on the interior as well. Beautiful dark wood, winding staircases, and a second-floor courtroom that looks much like it did in the 19th century. They still use this courtroom today, but I love that they have preserved the history of the place. Even down to replicas of the carpet that was used.
My hero has to arrest my heroine at one point, and when she goes before the judge, I used as many details from this visit as I could.
The old jail, has been expanded and turned into an art museum. The original building still stands, and even though it is filled with modern art, the stone is still there, the bars are still on the windows, and the layout is available to fuel my imagination. In fact, I had to rewrite a couple of my scenes because I had the jail cells on the first floor, when actually, they were on the second floor. The jailer’s office and personal quarters were downstairs.
I haven’t seen cover art yet for book one of this new series (Taming Lady Temperance) but I’m hoping they will try to work the courthouse or the old jail into the background.
Do you enjoy visiting historic sites?
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Sounds like an awesome series, Karen! Rumor has it that I am related to Bat Masterson on my dad’s side. His family settled in Wichita, Kansas and he was the sheriff of Dodge City, Kansas for a time. A few years ago our oldest son researched the rumor on Ancestry.com and it proved to be true, but I’ve forgotten the exact connection. I’ve always claimed him though!
As for on-site research, I get to do that in April when we travel to Saint Simons Island where my current novel is set. I’m already 15,000 words in so I hope I haven’t made any grave errors so far. We’ve been to Saint Simons once before, but my memory is short!
How fun to be able to claim such a famous character in your family tree, Deb! And your upcoming research trip sounds like it will be a wonderful time of research, and hopefully some vacation-like fun as well. 🙂
I set most of my books in Idaho and have done plenty of on-site research. But I should have thought this out early on and set stories in France and Hawaii and Ireland. Poor planning on my part. 😜
Ha! If only the budget would allow for European research. I’m sure I could take a cowboy across the pond for a series. 😉 I have to admit to envying Julie Klassen when she takes her research trips.
Hahaha! Right?
Enjoying history and genealogy, I have been fortunate to visit Albany and Fort Griffin for a day outing and picnic. They have done an admirable job with preservation in the small community! I appreciate learning more about the setting of your upcoming series.
How fun that you have visited Albany, Catherine. Can you believe that I’ve never actually attended the Fandangle? It’s embarrassing to admit. I was going to go last summer after I’d started writing this series, but I ended up being out of town during the dates of the show. I’m defintiely going to have to make it in 2025.
This series sounds wonderful! When is it planned for? Love the pictures. They create interest ahead of time.
Yes, I grew up visiting historic sights since I was born and raised in Virginia. My elementary class took a trip to Jamestown for the Jamestown Exposition in 1957, commemorating the 350 year anniversary of the founding in 1607. Of course we have Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, Appomattox, and battlefields from both the Revolution and Civil War (excuse me, the War Between the States). My husband was a history buff, so we always looked for historic places when we traveled. A highlight of our cross country trip in 2017 was visiting the Alamo in San Antonio.
So much rich history near you, Betty. That’s wonderful. I’ve never visited Virgina, but I would love to get there one of these days. So much to see and learn. I’m glad you made it to the Alamo. It seems so strane to have it right in the middle of town, but it’s a marveous historic site.
We loved San Antonio!
Oh, I forgot to answer you question about the series. Book 1 will release in February 2026. I’m putting the final touches on my manuscript this week before turning it over to my editors.
I love that! Seeing real places that you write about is the best kind of research!
It’s the closest I can get to a time machine. 🙂
I love visiting historic places. My father was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. We vacationed there for two weeks every summer. My mother would plan day trips. We visited a lot of places like DC, Gettysburg, Carter’s Grove. When I got married, we traveled from Chicago area to Florida for a duty station and saw places like Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga. Then we moved to Portsmouth, Va. for a few months( Navy) and went to Williamsburg, Jamestown etc.
I grew up in a cobblestone house built in 1863. It is now a museum. No wonder I love history and historical Christian fiction. My mother was an antique dealer too.
Wow! What fascinating experiences you’ve had, Paula! How interesting to have the house you lived in turn into a museum. At least you can go back and visit whenever you like. 🙂
I love research trips! There’s no substitute for visiting the setting of your book, like you were able to do. That fuels such great inspiration and provides details that make the book feel more real.
I agree, Becky! It really fuels the imagination and gives such depth to the experience that we can hopefully pass along to our readers.
Your new series sounds so fun! My mom loved visiting historic sites, so we went to many on the east coast when I was growing up. We took our kids to several national parks and historic places, especially battlefields (not my favorite) and we all learned a lot. I learn a lot reading historical fiction, though, because you authors do a great job at research!
I actually hated history in school because it was always focused on politics and wars, but I fell in love with historical fiction because I loved learning about the lives of everyday people. I love researching my books, because I get to focus on the details that I love. 🙂 I’m glad you made exploring historic sites a family activity, Linda. 🙂
I LOVE historical sites and am thrilled when I get to go to one. Looking forward to your new series!
Thanks, Marilyn!
I can’t wait for a new KW series!
Yes, in fact, I live in a Historic City: Granbury, Texas – Historically presumed to be the “hideout” of two infamous Most Wanted of the time. Both Jessie James and John Wilks Boothe (who, according to local inhabitants, did not die at Harper’s Ferry.)