One of the great challenges of writing historical fiction is blending the characters and plot with the historical record. Here are some links to sites that help illuminate life during the American Revolution.

Minuteman National Park

Bunker Hill Monument

1st Continental Regiment

Winter Patriots: A Great Strategic Overview of the 1776 Campaigns

Princeton Battlefield Society

Yorktown Victory Center

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Saratoga National Historical Park

Heritage Hunters: American Participants in the Battle of Saratoga

One of the great joys of writing historical fiction is meeting some fascinating people who share your passion for history! In trying to research travel on the Hudson River in the Eighteenth Century I stumbled upon “The Big Row,” an annual bateau journey/reenactment. The website owner/creator (and bateau skipper), David Manthey, has been incredibly helpful in sharing his research and experience with me. When Gideon Hawke steps safely off a bateau in August 1777, it will be largely thanks to David’s guidance!

The Big Row

A major challenge in plotting A Constant Thunder was sorting out the Provisional Rifle Corps’ movements in the summer of 1777. I finally determined that at a critical plot point, the Rifle Corps was encamped at Maidenhead (currently Lawrenceville), New Jersey. My search for a scene for that critical point led me to the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. Several people there were incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge and insights into the pastor, congregation, and church building as they were in August, 1777. Many thanks!

History of the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville

I hope you enjoy!