I got involved with Civil War history out of loneliness.
Being a soldier for 20 years was all that I knew, as I had graduated from high school at 18 and went directly into the US Army. It was the life I knew and loved, working and serving with fellow soldiers, enduring hardships and sharing experiences with my brothers-in-arms.
When I retired, I felt absolutely lost, unable to connect with civilian life nor have the comradeship that I had known all of my adult life. Depression set in for a good, solid two years as I went through the motions at my new life.
Then I discovered Civil War reenacting. I was invited to join a local group and the depression went away. Here was a group of people who had a goal, a mission, if you will, to recreate the life of 19th century soldiers. I had to unlearn everything I knew about the 20th century US Army, and learn all over again as a brand new fresh fish what it was to be a 19th century Union soldier. I had fellowship again and my loneliness went away and never came back.
It was during these reenactment events that I began to soak up bits and pieces of history and learn the history of the battles and men I was trying to portray at such events. The more I learned, the more humble I became, for these soldiers from long ago suffered and endured hardships I never experienced as a 20th century soldier. Just the differences in personal equipment and support I received in my day compared to theirs was extraordinary.
The more I learned how ordinary people did such extraordinary things during that hellish times made me want to learn more about them. I feel that I owe them for helping me with my problems by learning all that I can about them. They have made me proud to a part of them, to share their stories, which more often than not, continue to amaze and surprise me.
It's been 25 years now since I began to learn their story and as I have learned from others on this and other forums, I have only scratched the surface.
Unionblue