The wildly popular books series and Starz TV show has inspired fans to visit local historic sites

Although Gabaldon’s first three books and TV seasons primarily take place in Scotland, Claire and Jamie eventually travel across the ocean and arrive in America by way of Wilmington, a real path taken by thousands of Scottish Highlanders in the years before and after the American Revolution.

The popularity of the TV series, which returns for its fifth season on Feb. 16, and North Carolina’s debut on it last year has brought the state’s colonial history into the lucrative world of “Outlander.” Specifically, it has sent fans to historic sites in droves seeking to follow in the footsteps of the characters.

“I feel proud to see (this happening) in North Carolina,” Gabaldon said. “I would have never expected people to not only read my books and get something out of them, but that they would feel compelled to find other people who did and want to do their own research into the history.”

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