1864ooc | setting & locale

✒ S E T T I N G ✒

❝It's Mystic Falls. Nothing bad ever happens here.❞

Welcome to Mystic Falls, a picturesque town located in south Virginia, about 120 miles east of Richmond. Although officially founded in 1800s by a few prominent and wealthy families, the origins of the town date back to the 1690s, when the Bennett family escaped from the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts to live in the remote wilderness. The Founding Families (the Fells, Lockwoods, Salvatores, Gilberts, and Forbes) would arrive soon after and expand the town.

Currently, the country is in a state of perilous divide and on the brink of a civil war. President James Buchanan of Pennsylvania, despite his initial Southern popularity as the 1856 Democratic candidate, has ended up alienating the North and the South trying to maintain peace. Talks of secession are in the air, debated loudly and passionately in the Southern states--particularly in Virginia where attitudes and opinion on abolition are split. A raid by Northern abolitionist John Brown at Harper's Ferry, Virginia*, only 170 miles away from Mystic Falls, convinces more and more southerners that their northern neighbors are the enemy**.

All the while Mystic Falls is a small but prosperous town. The Salvatore family claim their wealth in the lumber and land development business; the Lockwoods in politics and land acquisition. The Fell family has deep religious roots in the community. William Forbes is the first and current sheriff.

* John Brown raided and attacked the U.S. military arsenal in Harper's Ferry, Virginia with approximately 20 followers (both whites and blacks) hoping to gain weapons to start a slave revolt. The Army sent forces under Colonel Robert E. Lee to put down the revolt. Brown was captured and executed.
** Lincoln's election in November 1860 serves as a the final straw, and within three months seven southern states--South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas--secede from the United States. Virginia is not far behind (along with Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee) and secedes in spring of 1861 after the events at Fort Sumter.

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✒ L O C A L E ✒

Town Square

One might say all roads lead to the Town Square. It is the most central location in town, and bordered by town hall and many different kinds of shops. The square is an unofficial meeting place for social engagements. Stone benches line the area for ladies and gentlemen to take a rest. Trees serve as perfect shade for a picnic. Children often play here after school or while their parents shop.

Town Hall

Town Hall houses Mayor Richard Lockwood's and Sheriff William Forbes' offices. Also here is the town's only courtroom and its two jail cells. The building is made of red brick and wood; its clock tower is the tallest man-made sight in town.

General Store & Post Office

The General Store is a townsperson's stop for everything from food, candy, utensils, home appliances and decor, fabrics, and more. The town post office is also located here. Post is sent by horse and/or train to other post offices; townspeople must pick up their mail at the post office. It is of the norm to send a private messenger within and sometimes outside the town.

The Apothecary

For all of Mystic Falls' ailments and medical needs, the apothecary offers a wide selection herbal and chemical solutions.

Wickery Inn & Tavern

A two-story wooden building with well-furnished upstairs rooms for rent and a tavern for food and drink. There is a private room available for dining, meetings, and/or card games upon request.

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Surrounding Area

Fell's Church & Cemetery

Led by the respected Reverend Fell, Fell's Church is the only religious center in all of Mystic Falls. Mass is held every Sunday and is both a religious and a social occasion. The church's cemetery is a resting place for Fell family members and relatives.

Mystic Falls Cemetery

Mystic Falls Cemetery was established 1792 and lays to rest most of Mystic Falls' dead.

Schoolhouse Road

Halfway between the town's square and Wickery Falls, Schoolhouse Road is a dirt path leading to the town's one-room red schoolhouse. Children and young adults study here as their responsibilities and parents allow. Many children from wealthy families conduct their studies at seminaries, boarding schools, and/or at home with their parents or a governess.

Wickery Falls

The town's namesake, located a few miles north of Wickery Bridge. There are hidden caves around and under the Falls. Much of the town's farmland is located downstream.

Wickery Bridge

A stone bridge which leads to some private residences and to the quarry.

Steven's Quarry

The quarry on the outskirts of town; most likely constructed by the Bennett family.

Lynchburg Railroad Station

Located 10 miles south of Mystic Falls, Lynchburg Railroad Station is the closest rail road depot. It runs on the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad Line, east to Richmond and west to Liberty, Salem, Christiansburg, etc. A more detailed map of its route can be found here.

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