Harriet Vaughan Cheney (September 9, 1796 – May 14, 1889) was an American-Canadian novelist active during the nineteenth century. Throughout her long life, Cheney contributed to the early literary traditions of North America, writing works that crossed national boundaries and captured the historical imagination of her readers. Her literary output primarily consisted of historical romances and instructional religious literature.
As a writer of historical fiction, Cheney focused on early colonial settings and narratives. Her notable historical romances include A Peep at the Pilgrims in Sixteen Thirty-Six and The Rivals of Acadia, works that reflected an interest in the early settlement and conflicts of the region. Beyond her historical novels for adults, Cheney also wrote religious works specifically intended for children, demonstrating her versatility as an author and her commitment to moral education.
