The Eclipse of 1806

After I became obsessed with wanting to provide the best possible experience for the April 8 eclipse, I began compulsively researching past eclipses. There is so much fascinating history with eclipses, particularly in regards to the fact that native Americans have predicted them as long as they have had contact with white man.

Other stuff— the guy in 1860 convinced the eclipse was some sort of rapture and slaughtered his family. The response of birds, animals and even plants…

I quickly convinced myself that a novel must be written about a historic eclipse. I chose the eclipse of 1806 because it was more than 50 years before white Americans expanded into the southwest. The frontier lines had not yet crossed the Missouri river and the west was truly wild. I like the challenge of creating the first cowboys, men who had no models for what would become one of the most heroic and iconic symbols of the United States. I like the thought of guerilla warfare with primitive weapons. I like growing a white European servant into American Lore, and having such a man become famous for being a true ambassador for native Americans.

But holy smokes it takes SO MUCH RESEARCH.

So I am taking the lazy option.

Moon shadow chasers are mostly retired teachers and scientists and other people of educated nature who are no longer encumbered by the shackles of full time employment. One of their great pleasures is to share their knowledge and experienced, gained over decades of learned lessons.

So let me just write what I write, and formally invite all readers to point out any inaccuracies.

Thanks for your interest: this will be a fun endeavor. Chapter one follows.

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Before There were Cowboys