Why did I do this?

Nearly two decades ago my love for reading about and researching history found an outward expression when I began dressing up in historic garb and sharing history at Civil War reenactments. In recent years I have become increasingly focused on the history of my native state, Arizona, and its neighbrs, and more specifically on the history of the California Column during the American Civil War era. I have been part of a small group of enthusiasts who spend days at a stretch marching, eating, conversing and reliving the exploits of the California Column in 1st person living history activities. I regularly volunteer and share at the Sharlot Hall Museum, Fort Bowie National Historic Site, AHS Pioneer Museum, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Fort Tejon State Historic Park, Pioneer Living History Museum, Fort Stanton, and other venues. Get me started talking about history and you may find it heard to change the subject.

This passion for history might well be described by some as an obsession, as it seems to infiltrate most areas of my life at some point. Almost as soon as I began training for my first Marathon in 2010 I knew that a future goal would be to mark the aniversary of the California Column March by doing a marathon in Civil War kit. Doing 26.2 miles in the spring within the supporting structure of an urban marathon seemed tame compared to their averaging 20 miles a day across dessert wilderness during the heat of summer. I may never have to face the same challenges of the men who's story it is my privilege to share, but I find it helps me to connect to their story a little bit more when I can taste just a glimpse of the hardships they endured. When my feet ache, my uniform grows uncomfortable, or my stomach growls it brings to mind the sacrifices they endured day in and day out as they lived the history I so enjoy reading about and sharing with others. And if my dressing up in funny clothes and completing a marathon helps spark curiosity that leads someone to read a little more about history or visit a museum or historic site, so much the better.