Re-enactor decides to hang up the kepi

After 20 years re-enacting, Rosario Roberts of Los Molinos, Calif., is giving up salt pork and hardtack. His organization, Re-enactors of the American Civil War, has been re-creating Civil War battles, as well as camp and civilian life, since 1991. • Article

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.

Re-enactor sleeps in slave quarters

Joseph McGill is a program officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation in South Carolina. But that's only his day job. On the side, McGill is a Civil War reenactor who has recently begun sleeping in former slave cabins. • Article

He brings re-enactors to Jesus

From his Old Testament beard down to his scuffed boots and battered Bible, Alan Farley looks the perfect picture of a Civil War chaplain. On a dusty field five miles from where the Battle of Gettysburg was fought 147 years ago, Farley acts the part as well, thundering sermons from his homemade pulpit, praying with bedraggled soldiers, and handing out tracts with titles like "Everlasting Punishment." • Article