Explore books about Midwest History

Rivers, Roads, & Rails

When the Midwest was still young

ISBN: 0-9749058-5-2

A captivating account of Midwest history, with focus on the ways people traveled during the pioneer days, when riverboats, stagecoaches, and steam locomotives whistled along streams and across the countryside. It was a fascinating time. Wisconsin was in its infancy, and although pioneer lifestyle seemed simpler, there was so much going on that shaped the coming years. Our nation was growing at a rapid pace as the population pushed its horizons westward, seeking new land and resources. New towns sprouted from logging camps and mining sites. Some flourished, becoming focal points of society and centers of commerce. Some sadly faded away, only to become forgotten and neglected memories.

It’s the kind of reading that many historians have overlooked, like the story of a Norwegian blacksmith who “hi-jacked” a ferryboat on the Chippewa River; log pirates at Two Rivers; how Strawberry Point, Iowa got its name; how the only war ever fought in Baraboo – the “Whiskey War” – began and ended in just a few short hours; how a persistent young boy saved his family from starvation by building a raft; how railroad construction to Ashland nearly ended in a bloody riot; how a mudslide created new real estate for a Minnesota lumber town. These and many other fascinating stories are sure to entertain any reader.

Stories and pictures from more than 260 Upper Midwest locations emerge as you journey through this formative period. You might even want to use this book as a guide to visit many interesting historic places.

(Illustrated)

Ghostville

Remembering Wisconsin Ghost Towns

ISBN: 0692208372

Wisconsin has its share of ghost towns. Villages grew from trading posts, lumber camps, and mining sites. Many did not survive the catastrophes that befell them, but before they passed from existence, they wrote some colorful pages in Wisconsin's history. Twenty-nine of these villages once again come to life on the pages of GHOSTVILLE ! (Three more have been added to the revised edition.)

New chapters have been added to include the history of Wisconsin's early logging and lumber industry, and the original Wisconsin Native tribes that were there long before the arrival of European explorers.

Now you can get BOTH

Rivers, Roads, & Rails AND Ghostville

in this one volume...

WISCONSIN TERRITORY

As I Recall...

Farm Kid Recollections from the 'Fifties

ISBN-13: 978-0615787305

Growing up on a Wisconsin farm was, without a doubt, a little different for a youngster in the 1950s than it is today. A trip to town could mean an adventure, and riding the train to Chicago seemed like the most incredible experience of a lifetime.

From bringing in the hay before a summer thunderstorm, to bringing in the woodstove before the brutal winter; from planting a garden, to feeding the chickens; from exploring the wilderness to skating on an ice-covered creek; you’ll enjoy every story about growing with the changing seasons.

Just 102 pages, but every word is from the heart. (Illustrated)

7 X 10 Hardcover version

AND paperback version.

GREAT coffee table books

BEYOND THE HORIZON

ISBN: 9781078760812

Beyond the Horizon takes you on a captivating journey to interesting towns and other fascinating attractions throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. From ghost towns to national monuments, you can experience the natural beauty and historical significance as J.L. Fredrick shares with you his travels during six years of rediscovering America.

Illustrated with full color photos by the author.

EXPLORE!

Etc, Etc, Etc...

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0692515440

Bank robbers, Indians, and Civil War heroes are just samples from the many fascinating stories about Wisconsin's intriguing and colorful past. ETC, ETC, ETC... is a variety pack of historical subjects with informative aroma and entertaining flavor.

River of Mystery

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0615961194

The Wisconsin River, Paul Seifert, Bogus Bluff, Richland City, and the ancient cultures that once thrived there, all have something in common: mystery. For 10,000 years humans have occupied the delta at the confluence of the Wisconsin and the Pine Rivers; inhabitants of distinctly different eras have left behind clues to their existence. The most recent—the Native American Indians—have given us a bounty of lore and legend. A mysterious letter in the hands of German emigrant Paul Seifert in the Nineteenth Century helps set the scene for another one of the river valley’s most puzzling secrets. It has been the foundation of a 35-year-long search for a cave believed to be an Indian burial site containing vast treasures of ancient times. Treasure hunter/Researcher Ron Nagel has teamed with authors Dan Bomkamp and J.L. Fredrick to tell the story as it has developed through the ages. Together they unravel some of the mystery surrounding this enchanted valley.

More new titles coming soon...

Explore outside the Midwest...

Don't Shoot

the Piano Player

ISBN: 979-8627377032

​Clay Edwards and Roscoe Connor (The Legend Series) have traveled a long way to uncover a secret... lost gold that has escaped discovery by Arizona lawmen for nearly two decades. But for a couple of greenhorns in unsettled territory just after the turn of the Twentieth Century, their quest is not easy. With only a mysterious map and the desire for adventure, they find their way into a dangerous situation. . . a little more than they bargained for.

The Reunion

ISBN: 9798545475056

When old friends reunite after more than three decades apart, surprises are apt to surface. Roscoe Connor and Clay Edwards (Don't Shoot the Piano Player) rendezvous 33 years after their adventure in Arizona. An old friend, Spades Morgan (Jesse 'n Will and the Gaslight Knights) provides the perfect opportunity aboard his new Mississippi riverboat in 1935. It's a rendezvous unlike any other.

The whole crew of the recently launched Madison II gets into the action on a cruise up the Mississippi River, as a mystery guest provides the big surprise.

PART 2: When Clay and Roscoe return to Natchez, Mississippi after the rendezvous, some late arrivals provide more surprises.

The Great

Train Robbery

of Monroe County

ISBN-13: 978-0615747996

A long lost Black Hills outlaw who has escaped Pinkerton Detective Agency pursuit for eight years brings Wild West color to the beautiful La Crosse River Valley in 1885. He recruits a band of local talent to help him rob— Jesse James fashion—a Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul train carrying $75,000 of payroll money that belongs to a La Crosse lumber company.

  When the would-be train robbers discover that someone has betrayed the gang, young Jackson Evans finds he is trapped in a deadly snare: the gang leaders will kill him if he walks out because he knows too much, and an overzealous county sheriff will gun him down if he stays.

Mad City Bust

ISBN-13: 978-0615746999

Diamonds, drugs and gun-running mixed together with jealousy and deception make a dangerous concoction. In an attempt to repay an obligation to an old Army buddy, Mike Barnes arrives in Madison, Wisconsin as the result of a mysterious request from the indestructible Donovan Harlow. But when the ex-Lieutenant is found sprawled in a pool of blood on his apartment floor, Mike’s promise to the dead man is hard to explain to the police, and he is quickly included high on the long list of suspects. Investigation uncovers Harlow’s connection with a drug ring, and his death triggers the arrest of a few of its operatives that will prove to be the biggest drug bust in Wisconsin history. (Based on a true event)

Jesse 'n Will

and the

Gaslight Knights

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542894685

This volume includes 2 original J.L. Fredrick novels: Another Shade of Gray; and the sequel, The Gaslight Knights. (3 Part Series)

When the Mafia boss unknowingly provides a windfall during the hard times of the Great Depression years, the wheels start turning for Jesse Madison and his friends that he attracts along the way. The Mississippi River and a steamboat become their way of life as they rub elbows with all sorts of characters, and experience countless adventures that the river and the times have to offer.

WHISPERING PHANTOM

ISBN: 9798834828976

On a winter vacation in the Arizona desert mountains, Kevin Kraemer and Jerry Stevens (UNFINISHED BUSINESS) are determined to locate one of the countless lost mines of the Gold Rush Era—the Black Butte—that has evaded discovery for decades. Based on actual history, this story is bound to deliver a few interesting surprises.

Also includes 3 more short stories: Dance With a Tornado; House of Many Rooms, and Mississippi Pirates.

Also available in HARDCOVER version

SEPTEMBER TEN

ISBN: 0-9749058-6-0

New York and the Pentagon aren’t the terrorists’ only planned targets. Passengers aboard an excursion boat and the residents of the entire Mississippi River valley are about to become victims of the Country’s worst disaster in history.

In small Wisconsin towns on and near the Mississippi River, where they think they are unnoticed, terrorists are busy scheming a Midwest attack to coincide with the September 11th New York and Washington melee that will add to the mass confusion across the entire country, not to mention the vast amount of destruction and lives lost. But the terrorists have failed to safeguard themselves against an unlikely adversary, and their mission is challenged. However, the three young men who have discovered the activity run out of time to convince authorities that a serious attack is imminent.

J.L. Fredrick's flagship--The Legend Series--consists of five novels. The series is available in three different ways: these five separate books...

Across the Dead Line

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0615748962

Book One of the Legends Series: The story is built around the legend of a mining ghost town and spans more than a century with stirring mystery and thrilling adventure. Cory Brockway arrives in the small college town of Wellington two weeks before the fall semester begins. He finds himself deeply intrigued with a local legend that appears to have been distorted by outlandish assumptions and eccentric misinformation. But one thing is certain: the nearby ghost town, Silver Spring, is haunted. Cory is witness to the bizarre, ghostly aura guarding its mystifying secrets, and he is lured into a collision course with the past. An unexplainable supremacy compels him to seek out the truth. With help from his new best friend, Buck Paxton, he discovers staggering evidence that could destroy the reputation of a prominent local figure, and could ruin his own academic success as well. Cory and Buck jeopardize their own safety to uncover the vaguely recorded and unrecorded history, bit by mysterious bit. What they discover produces a tangled mind game, and the results could prove deadly.

    The Private Journal

     of Clancy Crane

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0615747774

Like a letter lost in the mail... young Clancy Crane's private journal resurfaces more than a century after the mining camp where he lived had become a ghost town... a town that remained protected only by a mysterious legend. Encouraged to write daily installments by his friend, a local newspaper reporter, Clancy's personal journal reveals the secrets that have been so well hidden for so long. Not even Clancy realizes that he is providing the clues for a future generation in the form of a narrative, mind-boggling puzzle. No one but its bearer will hold the key to an unbelievable fortune. 

     Piano Man

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0692229095

This episode of the Legends Series is set in 1900 on the banks of enchanted Devil's Lake and in the streets of charming and picturesque Baraboo, Wisconsin, Living in the Cliff House resort hotel overlooking the lake, Christian Parker and Clay Edwards are in search of a piano player to satisfy the musical needs of their theatrical endeavors. With the help of another new friend, they find him. But when he mysteriously disappears, they find themselves on a quest that is more than just seeking a piano man.

        Across the

 Second Dead Line

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0615747675

Nearly four decades after the myth is discovered to be a hoax, the people of Wellington still fear the legend that an evil spirit still guards over the nearby mining ghost town, Silver Spring. But now that three enterprising youngsters have discovered the private journals written by a former Silver Spring resident and the 1967 scholar who disproved the legend, more astounding discoveries surface. Secrecy, now, is the key to protecting their breakthrough--a hidden treasure that may really exist. A figure from the past, however, is attempting to ruin their plans.

Unfinished Business

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0615813080

Silver Spring, the Nineteenth Century ghost town has been resurrected to a popular entertainment spot with its fine theater, unique stores, and luxury hotel, all designed with Wild West flavor. The local citizens have been convinced that a legend surrounding the old town is nothing to fear, and the tourists don’t know otherwise. Everything is going smoothly… until some unexpected mysterious visitors cause some very probing questions to arise. Their identities remain a mystery, and one of them will communicate with only the young gardener, Jerry Stevens. He issues stark warnings of a potential disaster facing Silver Spring, but he also has the solution to avoid catastrophe. Now it is up to the three people who recreated the town to save it from destruction.

Or... these two volumes... 1 & 2...

Or... this 675 page single volume.

SILVER SPRING

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8821056795

Inspired by actual events that occurred during the Gold Rush era, the Legend Series is a captivating saga of gold and silver miners basking in the prosperity of success, while fighting to survive in a wild and dangerous environment.
   Nearly seven decades after the mining has played out, a remnant of a ghost town is discovered by a curious college student; he uncovers secrets that have been well-guarded by an unseen force known only as "Mack." The mystery grows into a tangled mind game.
   Not until the 21st Century is the puzzle finally solved by three enterprising young adventurers who have only two old journals found in an attic to connect the past with the present, and to discover one secret much grander than anyone could imagine.

Both the 2 Volume and Single Volume versions contain the complete, unabridged text as found in the five separate books.

Cursed by the Wind

ISBN: 0-9749058-0-1

The dramatic Sea Wing disaster, Sunday July 13, 1890, on the Mississippi River is captured in this gripping episode of early America. Warnings of approaching dangerous weather offered by an itinerant preacher, and his persistence to convince the captain to cancel a voyage down the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin are ignored. The Sea Wing with its 200 passengers aboard sails on to meet its fate.

Cursed by the Wind is a suspenseful, heartwarming story expertly added to the actual tragic event. (Most characters in this story were real people.

TRUE STORIES
FROM THE
MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI

ISBN-13‏ :‎ 978-1540640444

Includes two complete novels by J.L. Fredrick >>>

Thunder

in the Night

ISBN-13: 978-0615745787

Charlie Martin and “Frenchy” come from completely different cultures. But they aren’t so different—they’re boys who seek adventure and sometimes find trouble without looking for it. In 1870s La Crosse, Wisconsin, logs, lumber, and steamboats on the Mississippi River are a way of life. Based on the true historical account of one of those boats, the Bella Mac, these heroic boys bravely face disaster head-on. (Charlie Martin, Frenchy, and most other characters in this story were real people. The story is based on actual events.)

The Other End

of the Tunnel

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8386800581

Obsessed with the possibility of a supernatural encounter, Shawn and Steve sneak into a forbidden haunted house one stormy night in 1965. They discover more than they bargained for, as the spooky old house is host to more than just ghosts.

Aftermath

ISBN-13:979-8386800918

Shawn and Steve are on another wildly exciting adventure when they are entrusted with a mysterious artifact that possesses some rather peculiar qualities. But they must stay one step ahead of crooks, mad scientists, and even the FBI to protect the most incredible discovery of all times.

DOUBLE
TROUBLE

CATMAN & SCOOTER (Parts 1 & 2)

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8838008916

Two very average young guys, just entering college find themselves on an amusing ride of their lives when one of them mysteriously acquires an amazing superpower. It turns the news media upside down and the local police inside out. But there are drawbacks and complications that will tickle your funny bone, and a secret that not even Mom should find out! Move over all you caped crusaders—here comes Catman and Scooter.

Also available as separate books. >>>

Get both books in one volume

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0692393062

JL Fredrick's first published works...

originally published in 2001

What happens when this author decides to take a break from all the serious historical stuff during the winter of 2021-22... while "relaxing" somewhere in the Arizona desert, and desires to write something FUN?

DOUBLE TROUBLE... that's what happens!

More new titles coming soon...

Explore American History Through Engaging Historical Fiction Books

Allow imagination

to break the barriers,

and brush up against yesterday.

— J.L. Fredrick—

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