Maybe researchers in those other states have some other options available to them. In Arkansas, we didn't have many options until Jim Martin established the Arkansas in the Civil War Message Board.

When Ed Gerdes and I were posting the regimental rosters on his website, we were just throwing them out there blind, getting no feedback, not knowing whether anyone was getting anything useful out of our work. When Jim's message board came on line, it was wonderful to see that there were other research fanatics out there. Jim Martin brought us all together, and our collective research has grown exponentially.

Unlike so many other Civil War discussion sites, our message board has remained blessedly free of crazies and racists (from both sides). The discussions are rational, friendly and productive. I think of you all not only as colleagues, but as friends.

Thank you, Jim.