* Toni Morrison: Her novels often delve into the history of slavery and its lasting impact on African Americans. Works like "Beloved" and "Song of Solomon" are deeply historical, using fictional narratives to illuminate the complexities of the American past.
* Cormac McCarthy: While not always strictly historical fiction, McCarthy's novels often explore the violence and frontier spirit of the American West. Works like "Blood Meridian" and "All the Pretty Horses" showcase the brutality and hardship of early America, offering stark and unflinching portraits of the past.
These are just two examples, and there are many other writers who have contributed significantly to understanding the American past through their work.