I haven't written historical fiction up to this point in my career, but I have always been fascinated with history. I love to stop at roadside historic markers and visit historic places. The history of our country is very young compared to history in other parts of the world. One of the older events in our country's history is the landing of the first European settlers in Maryland on March 25, 1634. So every year on March 25, Maryland celebrates the anniversary of the settlers disembarking from two small ships, the Dove and the Ark on to St. Clement's Island in what is now known as St. Mary's County, Maryland.
Below is an image of the Maryland flag. The black and gold are the colors of the Calvert family. The Lords Baltimore of the Calvert family founded Maryland. The red and white crosses are for the Crossland family, from which the mother of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, came.
I could definitely find some interesting things to include in a contemporary book set in Maryland. What do you think? Maryland is noted for its crabs.
Does your state or country have a special day to celebrate its founding? Have you ever read a novel that incorporates a special historical event into the story?
A Mom’s Redemption
Annie Payton’s lost everything she once
held dear. The Village of Hope is her last chance to rebuild the life she’s
frittered away so needlessly. But as she works to regain custody of her children, she never
imagines an unlikely advocate in her corner—ex-husband Ian Montgomery.
Ian’s
always willing to help those down on their luck, but his ex-wife’s a different
story. Her past betrayal is still a painful memory. As the Village’s lawyer,
he’ll represent her—but that’s as far as he’ll allow his feelings to go. Can
Annie show Ian that she’s changed in every way but one—the love she still has
for him?
VILLAGE
OF HOPE: A community built on love
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Colorado is the Centennial state and known (partially thanks to John Denver, I think) as the Mile High state.
ReplyDeleteYour book looks wonderful, Merrillee. Love the cover. Can't wait to read it!
Deb, thanks. I used to live in Florida, the Sunshine State, but I'm not sure what Arizona's motto is. Maybe I should check that out.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to have a copy of one of my back list books. Send me an email through my website.
ReplyDeletewww.merrilleewhren.com
Michigan is the Great Lakes State. There is the Coast Guard Festival, but I don't know of any founding day events. It seems that one of the books set in Smitten had a founding day event (can't remember which one, though)
ReplyDeleteBecky, I don't often think of Michigan as having the coast guard, but I do see that Lake Huron has the border between the US and Canada going right down the middle.
ReplyDeleteMerrillee, we're the Grand Canyon State.
ReplyDeleteOur motto? Hmmm. Eat lots of chocolate. Nah. It must be something else.
Hi Merrillee!
ReplyDeleteI'm a native Georgian and we are the Peach State (love those yummy, juicy peaches!).
We don't have a particular date that we celebrate our founding, but lots of our small towns have their special days.
Even though I've lived in Georgia my entire life, I'm still learning fascinating facts and history about my southern state. Our coastal area (which I LOVE) has lots of interesting history.
Hugs, Patti Jo :)
Maryland is a beautiful state. I was born at Fort Meade. My son and daughter-in-law were married in Emmitsburg. Thanks for sharing some of Maryland's history today, Merrillee!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pamela. I guess I should've known the "Grand Canyon" state. I think it's on the license plates. :)I like the chocolate motto.
ReplyDeleteCatMom, I think a lot of people know that Georgia is the "Peach State." Georgia is full of so much history.
ReplyDeleteDebby, cool. We have a Maryland connection!
ReplyDelete