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.
View upcoming, on-sale tours led by Dakota Springston.