BellaOnline Forums Career Nonfiction Writing Research methods

I'm starting a nonfiction book that covers the 1800's in Texas. I was wondering if anybody out there has some favorite sites to go to for historical info.

I am lucky that my daughter is a student at the local university. I can use her log on to get into the library system there for research.

I found a site through the library that has books online which is proving interesting. does anyone know where I could get some diaries or journals of the nineteenth century online?

Hi joanj,

I once turned up an astonishingly detailed set of journals when looking for genealogy info around New York. I had typed in a name and 'Library of Congress' It took me to a site where many 1850s books were online! Good luck.

Thanks! that's a great tip.

I once found all of Narcissa Whitman's journals and letters online and I'd always thought about doing a book on her. She was the first white woman to cross the rocky mts and a missionary to Oregon. Her story was fascinating, altho she and her husband were killed in the end.

Joanj,

There are lots of genealogy buffs out there who collect books and first-person accounts and put them up online.

As Bellashorts commented, I'd start with some specific Google searches to see what turns up, then maybe hit the genealogy boards and forums -- THOSE are the people you want to ask. And they love helping anyone doing that kind of research.

Good luck!

Check the phone book for LDS churches and ask where their nearest library is. Mormons collect geneology on everybody -- not just their own. The collections are amazing!