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Discover weekly, the best short stories

Looking for a steady supply of historical fiction short stories? Every week thousands of writers submit stories to our writing contest.

3240+ Historical fiction Short Stories to read

Submitted by writers on Reedsy Prompts to our weekly writing contest. Whether you’re looking to step back into ancient civilizations, the 19th-century, or anywhere in between, our collection of historical fiction stories is here to keep you riveted.

Historical fiction Short Stories – Page 6 of 217

Jazzy Bones

Submitted to Contest #291

Jazzy Bones In New Orleans on business, so called. An educational trip organised by HAL Ltd the vendors of a computer system costing just over a million. We had been flown in from the. UK in an executive jet to inspect the practical application of HAL computers. The task delegated to us was to evaluate HAL's offering against the competition. The Priest Shipbuilding Limited board were seeking a report giving our findings and recommendations. While this was not a jolly and we were learning it was nevertheless, also not so subtle bribery. HAL w...

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A THREAT TO DECENCY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Submitted to Contest #291

This story is set during the Lavender Scare, a real historical event in which thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals were investigated, fired, and blacklisted from U.S. government jobs as “security risks.” This piece is based on extensive historical research to ensure accuracy in language, government policies, and cultural attitudes. The quote from the 1950 Senate report, “Employment of Homosexuals and Other Sex Perverts in Government,” is taken directly from historical documents and has not been altered or fabricated. While the characters are ...

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The Falling Man

Submitted to Contest #291

Leaving the house, Marine Corps veteran Berry Bongino kissed his wife, Terry, and daughter, Tessa, goodbye. Until they meet again.As the proud manager of The Windows of the World restaurant, Berry was often the first to arrive at work. This sunny September morning was no exception. Like the Energizer Bunny, he scurried from one department to the next - overseeing deliveries, checking the kitchen’s readiness, ensuring the waiter staff looked professional, and that the main dining room was clean and orderly.On this particular Tuesday, at ...

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What We Cannot Say

Submitted to Contest #290

"Destructive" and "Foolishness" were the words shot back at me when I asked what love is. The air is cold and dry here, the city quiet, everything black and white. We're taught that when loving occurs, it soon turns to hate. I yearned to know the feeling of love, even if I didn't know what it was. No one's ever objected to the illogical laws abided by our leaders, our creators, our "saviours". I find myself staring at myself in the mirror. Picking myself apart piece by piece, stating everything that's wrong with me. But, when I curl my ...

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His Prized Possession

Submitted to Contest #290

The bitter cold of winter seeps into my skin as I struggle through the snow, the child in my belly weighing me down so that I slip and stumble. I cannot turn back: my father’s house is a prison and he my gaoler. And if the babe-to-be-born is female, as I suspect…              Far off in the distance lies the safety of the village. I know not if the stagecoach has already arrived to take Jem to the London docks and the transportation ship that awaits him there. If so, I wil...

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Sacred Vow

Submitted to Contest #290

Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned. Sister Helena sat at a small desk in the convent library writing a confession in her diary. The Abbess says we must dedicate our lives to serving God, not ourselves. She says we must banish any selfish notions from our minds, lest we forget our true purpose. But I am plagued with wickedness, Lord. Sister Helena’s trembling hand hovered over the page. These feelings, these desires… Would it dishonor God to put them to paper? She needed to express them somehow, she knew, or they would consume her. She ste...

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The Spanish Bride

Submitted to Contest #290

He took a deep long breath. Like he had done on many a battlefield, especially when he thought it would be his last. But this time, there was no smoke burning the eyes. No inhaling blood-stench that would make a predator frenzy from the headiness of it all. No thunderclaps that burst hope, morale and men. This time, a gentle breeze came for the coast of Lisbon; brushing his epaulets, skin and hair. This time, the aroma of perfume, alcohol and the many scents of the sea. This time, the faint sounds of cheers that heralded more wine, sex or si...

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Johnny, at Last

Submitted to Contest #290

The first time Robert William Blackwood laid eyes on Professor Louis Annesley, he was holding Henry’s hand in the middle of a crowded London street, gesturing dramatically as he recounted what appeared to be some grand tale to the boy. Henry, entranced, hung onto every word, his small fingers clutching the professor’s as if he had known him for years.Robert had been frantic before he spotted them. His son had vanished from their townhouse hours earlier, prompting every available servant and constable in the vicinity to search for him. Just a...

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Kushan, The Eskimo, Dead.

Submitted to Contest #291

T/W. This is based on a true and gruesome story reported in the New York Times in 1898. I could barely keep up with Gustafsson. He handed me his hat and cane, and his heavy portmanteau for safekeeping.  “I will need you to do the paperwork when all is said and done,” said Gustafsson, absent-mindedly. When we entered the dimly lit basement, it was like walking into a steam room, and I was struck by the irony and the stench. Gustafsson didn’t miss a beat. He was kneeling beside the body before my eyes had properl...

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Lovers in a Dangerous Time

Submitted to Contest #291

Sasha’s arm ached from the lack of motion, but she knew that even the slightest movement could bring instant death from a German Karbiner 98k rifle. She hadn't yet spotted an enemy sniper, but she believed that he was near, hidden somewhere in the rubble of her beloved city.A light snow fell, and Sasha recalled the childhood fun of catching the first winter snowflakes on her tongue until a series of muffled explosions and the chatter of machine gun fire quickly disrupted the cherished memory. Through the acrid smoke that had engulfed the cit...

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Family Tree

Submitted to Contest #290

This story contains depictions of physically and emotionally traumatic events, as well as suicide ideation.———Paul Baker was drafted into the Army at 19, and turned 21 in the Vietnam jungle. His birthday present to himself was a six-pack of Miller he stole from underneath his lieutenant's cot. Neither was permitted to have booze in their hooch, but everyone knew the brigade commander tended to look the other way when it came to rules he too despised. Paul was caught red-handed as young, careless privates often are. His informal punishment? R...

8 likes 1 comment 1
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PRINCESS IN A PINK DRESS

Submitted to Contest #290

Lynne rushed out of her craft room, bags full of party supplies swinging at her sides.“Dad!” she called.Harry looked up, slightly confused, trying to pull his thoughts away from what he was doing.“What?” He responded, his tone edged with mild irritation.“We have to go, or we're going to be late!” Lynne insisted, already making her way toward the door.He sighed but nodded. “Okay.”“Grab those boxes by the couch, and let’s go!” she added.As he watched, Lynne turned toward her Mom, her voice carrying over the commotion.His thoughts drifted.It wa...

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An Exceptional Match- A regency inspired romance

Submitted to Contest #290

“Confound it Georgianna. It’s not as if we are sending you to the devil. It’s your wedding day. It will cost you nothing to smile.” Lord Winton smoothed his silken waistcoat and flicked an unseen speck of dust from his immaculate sleeve as they waited in the drawing room for their barouche to be brought around.“Papa, I have nothing to smile about.” Indeed, The Honorable Georgianna Winton could barely summon a twitch of the lips, her face as pale and immobile as an Elgin marble. Not that she h...

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Nora's First Time

Submitted to Contest #290

Nora’s First Time Nora held her sister Kate’s hand as they sat in the front pew of the church. The priest said, “You may now kiss the bride.” Nora blushed at the sight of her older brother embracing his new wife, their faces pressed against each other, passion radiating from the newlyweds. Nora wondered what it was like to kiss a boy.  Hanora Theresa McCarty resembled her mother the most, according to their father. She was about the same size as her older sister Katie, even though being eight years younger. Her hair was long and straigh...

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Eyes You Could Drown In

Submitted to Contest #290

Lizzie’s father, Josiah, unties his neckerchief and wipes the sweat from his forehead. She knows he’s trying to ignore the perspiration dripping down his back as he winds the rack and pinion to lift the paddle which will allow water to drain from the lock, bringing them downhill. It should be her brother, Daniel, doing this and Joss should be leading the horse, but Dan has a sore head from a surfeit of ale last night and her da doesn’t trust him to do the job properly. He could ask Lizzie, but she’s as slender as Dan is stocky – although rec...

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