Time Setting?

I pondered over this thought for a while. Shall I set it during the 1830's, or the 1860's? Now, you may question me as to what the difference is between the two? Well....

I first picked the 1830's because I'm most familiar with it, story wise. The Millie Keith books are set during that time period and I've read those how many times? But then, I may have a problem when it comes to literature...I don't know which books were published before then.

I'm thinking I might go with the 1860's - during the American Civil War. Yes, I'm going to have to do research, which will take up precious time, but I really want this novel to be good. I know I'm supposed to care about quantity, not quality. But that's the point. I shall write this novel, then it will be done and I can go back and edit to my heart's content. Ooh I'm so excited...

~Shae

EDIT: Ok, I've sorta figured it out. I want it to take place around the war, but not during. I'm leaning on afterwards, or very close to the end. YES! That's what I'll do...