A Hidden Treasure for Historical Writers

By Sandra Merville Hart

 Maps are hidden treasure for historical writers. If you haven’t used this key source of information to add authenticity to your novel, it’s worth investigating.

A treasure chest full of information can be found on old maps. Authors find railroads, waterways, and roads. How close was the town to a river? Often a little digging leads to showing the size of a city and street names.

One of the first things I look for when researching a new historical novel is an old map. It’s important to find a map dated the year of or before the setting year. Anything later runs the risk of expansion/decline, referencing businesses not there at the time, and the like.

That brings us to another wonderful feature of detailed maps: location of homes and especially businesses. Knowing the name of a mercantile or the street where the post office resides sparks reader interest, especially those familiar with the area. Such details add depth if referenced in a novel.You may find the greatest treasure hidden in plain sight. #Author #History Share on X

A railroad depot in town offers an exciting setting for a scene, maybe in that sagging middle. Perhaps someone comes to visit the main character at the train station or the protagonist travels from there on a day’s excursion. These tidbits reveal that era’s everyday world.

A careful study of these maps may show where Widow Matthews lived. Maybe the widow goes to church with your characters or makes the best apple pies around. A manufacturing company or mill on the map may employ a character’s family member.

If possible, visit the area during the research phase of the novel. Walking the streets in the oldest part of town or eating at a diner gives a sense of a town. Local museums can hold a wealth of information not commonly known. Ask questions. It’s always fun to find a knowledgeable person on local history. Listen to their story even if it doesn’t directly pertain to the novel; maybe some fact will capture your imagination.

When researching for historical novels, don’t overlook maps. You may find the greatest treasure hidden in plain sight.