Meet David West of Beaufort, S.C.

“I am an active Trust supporter because of what it is doing for future generations. Both the preservation of historic land and our educational efforts are great gifts to future generations.”

Color Bearer David West
 

American Battlefield Trust: How were you first introduced to the Trust, and what motivated you to donate?

David: I have been involved in battlefield preservation since the early 1990s when I joined the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (APCWS). I attended a conference in Fredericksburg that combined history lectures and battlefield tours. I was hooked! I became the organization's second Treasurer and served on the board till around 1998. During this timeframe, I learned a great deal about the Civil War and simply loved what the organization was trying to achieve. The eventual merger with The Civil War Trust was a watershed event for historic land preservation and I enjoyed following the Trust's success for many years.

What part of our work resonates most with you?

I strongly support all of the Trust's activities and goals. While the preservation of historic land is the most important to my heart, I know our group's focus will increasingly turn to education. This is vitally important in a time when the lack of education about our nation's fascinating history is sadly lacking. The Trust's sponsorship of school field trips and the annual teacher education efforts are outstanding examples of what we need to be doing to stimulate interest in history.

What's your favorite part of being a Color Bearer?

I most enjoy the multiple opportunities to meet with fellow Trust members and Color Bearers at the annual events and tours the organization sponsors. These are always well organized and first-class historians provide great insights into the events that occurred at these historic venues. It is always particularly exciting to go to places I have never before visited.

Which battlefield sites that you've visited have left the most profound impact on you?

It is hard to pick particular places that have had the most profound impact. If forced to select several battlefields, I think both Antietam and Shiloh are very powerful historic landscapes. Both were hugely significant from a historic perspective and both are well preserved. This level of preservation really allows you to visualize the events you are studying. Both remain emotional places for me to visit.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

An even tougher question! I think Napoleon would be my top choice. His story of how he rose to power is fascinating and he truly was a military genius. He also implemented many significant civil reforms. Despite his many achievements, he remains a deeply flawed figure as well.

What would you like to pass on to future generations?

I am an active Trust supporter because of what it is doing for future generations. Both the preservation of historic land and our educational efforts are great gifts to future generations.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I just want to share the wonderful sense of accomplishment I have felt by supporting the Trust. I have been involved long enough with preservation efforts to see the dramatic impact of what we do. Several examples are Cedar Mountain and Bentonville. Cedar Mountain was unprotected when we made the first acquisitions there. Now it is part of a state park. Bentonville was a small and hard to interpret state park when I first visited there. Now it is a well-organized park with an excellent driving tour that provides a wonderful overview of the battle. Recent visits to both of these battlefields were deeply satisfying.