A 13th generation Virginian, Dakota Springston has what you could call an obsession with the past. Drawing his love of history from his parents, his ancestors and from the 1890s historic house he grew up in, Dakota has been "doing history" since he could walk. Growing up on an old Civil War Mule camp made him interested in artifacts and a provided a tangible connection to the past and the world around him. Being able to run around in gardens also fostered his love for plants and nature. When he was young , he would often accompany his mother on history programs and tours, and at the age of 9 "saved" his first Sears House, which is now protected by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Writing about this experience earned him first place in the Young Virginia Writers Contest and helped cement a love of writing.

After attending Mary Washington University, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marymount University, with a degree in History and Secondary Education, possessing a desire to help others feel his passion for the past. He is a member of the Jamestowne Society, the American Battlefield Trust, Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Epsilon Sigma, Phi Theta Kappa, and recently became a National Geographic Certified Educator. Outside of the classroom, Dakota keeps busy by hiking, taking photos of animals and nature, kayaking, researching, reading, writing, gardening, and growing (at the moment) 27 different varieties of hot peppers.