Is Coldwater, Missouri, a real place? Yes... and No
- D. R. Young
- Oct 12
- 2 min read
Coldwater, Missouri, is a real place, but you might need a magnifying glass to find it on a map. With a population of hovering just shy of 50 (yes, five-zero), it’s a quiet cluster of homes nestled among sprawling fields.
Years ago, Highway 67 ran straight through Coldwater, drawing a few travelers to this tranquil spot. Today, the expanded highway splits the town, leaving old Route 67 as a peaceful back road winding to the town’s centuries-old cemetery.
The town of Coldwater, as referenced in Tunnel Vision, A Coldwater Chronicles Thriller, takes inspiration from nearby Fredericktown, Missouri.
Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Ozarks and bordering the Mark Twain National Forest, Fredericktown is a charming town with deep roots and a warm, tight-knit community. Founded in 1818, it’s one of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi.
Just like its fictional counterpart, its walkable historic downtown brims with character, boasting unique shops, cozy restaurants, and the iconic Madison County Courthouse, a key setting in the novel and home base for its main characters. From scenic parks to outdoor adventures, Fredericktown offers something for everyone.
The fictional Coldwater borrows loosely from Fredericktown’s geography, blended with creative tweaks to craft a world where my stories come alive. Growing up, I cherished time spent in Coldwater and also, on occasion, soaked up the small-town spirit of Fredericktown, which shaped the backdrop of this new series.
I’m thrilled to be working on more stories in the Coldwater Chronicles, each diving into different eras with vibrant characters. You never know when a favorite character might pop up for a cameo!
Let’s set the record straight, though. The corruption, murder, and high-stakes drama in Tunnel Vision are purely fictional and not drawn from Coldwater or Fredericktown. These towns are far more serene than my thriller suggests!
If you’re in Central or Southern Missouri, make a trip to Fredericktown to soak in its small-town, old-world charm. Visit fredericktownmo.org for more on this delightful town’s offerings.
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