Victoria's Reign

I've heard some people say, "I was born too late. I wish I had lived during the Pioneer Age!" or "I would have loved to live during the 40's", and even "I think I was meant to live during the Renaissance!" I was never sure where I fit into in the past. I do like the American heritage of the 40's and 50's. I also rather like the clothing from the Colonial period. But after much thought, I really think I would have liked to live in Europe during Queen Victoria's reign, otherwise known as the Victorian era (1837--1901). In America, the Civil War raged, but soon to come was the Industrial Revolution. An exciting time for all. Here are a few other reasons why I think I would have liked to be around:

Fashion: men in top hats (handy for hiding important documents) and women in bustles (quite becoming on all shapes and sizes)

Transportation: horse-drawn hansoms, cabs, stagecoaches, locomotives--fewer traffic accidents

Economy: due to Victoria's colonization and peaceful reign, England and much of the world was prospering--except maybe the USA, but that's what they get for fighting amongst themselves

Arts: Victoria and Albert invested much in the arts, building galleries, museums, and opera houses

Literature: MOST IMPORTANT REASON! This was the time of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle creating Sherlock Holmes, Lewis Caroll establishing Wonderland, JM Barrie dreaming up Neverland, and Alexandre Dumas breathing life into the Three Musketeers. All four are by far my favorites. I would give anything to be around when those writers were current celebrities.