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.

The Fort Griffin Fandangle is a historical, musical production that has been put on by the people of Albany for more than 85 years.

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.

Albany, TX Courthouse

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.

Old Jail Building, Originally Built in 1877.

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?