For Sherlockian scholars, finding the actual historical events behind the Canon is an enjoyable pastime. However, in the case of The Valley of Fear no such literary detective work is needed. The events depicted in the novel's flashback are well-documented fact. And yet, the historical memory of the Molly Maguires is more complicated than the account found in The Valley of Fear. Competing claims of guilt versus innocence, provocation versus retaliation, and oppression versus terrorism permeate the tale of this secret organization of Irish-Americans in the 1870 mining districts of Pennsylvania.
In 2004, the Baker Street Irregulars mounted its first expedition - to
the actual locations where those singular events occurred in order to shed further light on The Valley of Fear.
This companion volume was produced specifically for the expedition and provides a very thorough overview for those who weren't there.
Murderland: Companion Volume to the Baker Street Irregulars' Expedition to the Valley of Fear