German re-enacts on first U.S. visit

Alexander Querengasser packed his gear Tuesday afternoon on a grass field overlooking Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.

A sailboat sauntered past as the young German from Saxony spoke about his first visit to the United States.

The 24-year-old studying history in Leipzig knows his stuff. Irish and German emigrants served in large numbers in both armies, he said. He's also interested in the Confederate submarine Hunley.

Querengasser has done Civil War and Napoleonic living histories in Europe. Querengasser used jean cloth to make his Civil War frock coat.

At Fort Moultrie, he and a few other Europeans served with the Washington Light Infantry of South Carolina. Querengasser was a garrison guard and a private, "the lowest of the lows."

"I always had an interest in military history."

One day he hopes to work in a Dresden museum or serve as a curator. For a few more days he will enjoy the Lowcountry.

"Charleston is a real nice place," said Querengasser.