If I could write historical fiction (which I would love but am terrified by the prospect), I would create my story on the Berkeley Plantation. No one's ever heard of it! So talk about a wonderfully fresh yet historic location. It's located a few miles southeast of Richmond.
But two days ago my family visited the site. Why was it cool? Well... woohoo! I'm glad you asked.
#1: The first official Thanksgiving occurred on the grounds of the plantation right off the coast of the James River. Everyone thinks it happened at Plymouth Rock or else Jamestown, but no-sir-ee, it happened at Berkeley. On December 4th, 1619.
#2: The location for the first time Taps was played. Well, I suppose that means apart from all the times the composer practiced it over and over and over again. But you get the idea. Wish I could have heard it then and read everyone's reactions.
#3: First bourbon whiskey distilled, and we all relish the utmost importance of that!
#4: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Harrison, lived there.
#5: His son, William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the U.S. and Governor of Virginia lived there.
#6: Benjamin Harrison's grandson, Benjamin Harrison became the twenty-third President of the U.S. (Didn't actually live on the plantation, but a cool fact.)
#7: Union troops occupied the plantation during the Civil War and President Lincoln visited twice.
#8: President Washington as well as other Founding Fathers were known to visit there.
Our tour guide was awesome, my kids were really good, and the home was incredibly impressive. The front and back of the home were identical--one side to greet travelers by water, the other to greet travelers by carriage. The plantation is privately owned, so it's simply landscaped. But I liked that. I loved its natural beauty.
I'm partial to the colonial times. I would write my story in that time. The setting was gorgeous--the trees were so lush.
So, writers/daydreamers, if you were to choose a location for a historical novel, where would it be? So many locations have already been taken. It's hard to think of something that hasn't been done! There's always some random yet breathtaking castle in Germany. Chris, I might force you to write one like that!
Sotland. Though it's been done a lot so I'd have to plan a vacation to scout out some remote unknown spot. This is sounding better all the time. I have a sweet spot for New Zealand, too, but I don't think I'm the one to write that piece of historical fiction. At least not without a ton of research on my part.
ReplyDeleteI think about everywhere has been taken so its more a matter of doing a better job than anyone who has come before, at least thats what Hemingway told me.
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking of locations I like (Japan, Tanzania and Namibia, obviously!), because, like you, the idea of writing historical ficton is really scary. But if I could suddenly have the information I needed to write such a novel, I'd probably go with something during the Middle Ages. Those were some pretty crazy times and knowing more about how life REALLY was then (and not just making it really dirty, which is all Hollywood ever does) would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could do a historical piece. If I did, it would become more like a fantasy piece. I'd love to write something like that. Historical fantasy.
ReplyDeleteScotland, Middle Ages... cool ideas, guys. All I can say is I truly admire a writer who can write historical fiction. I feel like in a way I cheat because I create my own history and my own fantastical elements--use imagination in place of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday I could figure out how to pull it off. I'm impressed that Sarah M. Eden writes in the Regency era. I'd love to do that. But fear I would totally bomb the attempt.