Michael C. Hardy has been researching the War between the States for over seventeen years. His particular areas of interest are the war in the Southern Appalachians and the life of the common soldier. He also is currently researching Southern Appalachian cemetery art. His writing has appeared in North and South, Camp Chase Gazette, The Civil War News, and numerous other publications. His history of the 37th North Carolina Troops will be published this year by McFarland and Company Publishers. He frequently speaks on the war's impact on the mountains and their people. Through the 58th North Carolina Troops Preservation Society, he works to preserve the High Country's Civil War heritage. He serves as Captain of the Society's re-enactment unit. Michael is the Library Assistant at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute