Rogues and runners of the American Civil War were an integral part of Bermuda's history, some eager tourists found out this week.

Tour company, HistoryAmerica, travelled to Bermuda this week to investigate the stories of Bermuda's major involvement in the Civil War.This was the first time HistoryAmerica had ventured to Bermuda.

The Island was one of the major ports for Southern Confederate ships running the Northern Union blockades.

Civil War buff, Dennis Brown, who was hired to lead the group of 18 by HistoryAmerica was hired as a historian that is well versed in that particular area. Mr. Brown and the group came to Bermuda aboard the Celebrity Cruise Line to learn more about the significant Civil War site. St. George's was at the centre of the blockade runners and the Globe Hotel on King's Square was the office of the Confederate agent - among other buildings that served as important locations.

Mr. Brown said stories about the war are best visualised and the stories do not have to be told through battles alone. He added that many of the group members had gone and visited every Civil War battlefield and none had been told the story of Bermuda's role in the war.

"Our initial theory was right about Bermuda and there was a significant story to be told," Mr. Brown said just hours before leaving the island.

Mr. Brown also said that it was an important story for Bermudians to know about their history and the Island's involvement with the Civil War.

During the war Britain said England would be neutral, although cotton was an important commodity during the time, Mr. Brown said.

"England should have recognised the Confederacy because of its apparent need for cotton," Mr. Brown said.

"But rather then side with England during the war Bermuda instead was able to profit from not only the Queen's statement of neutrality but also the Union blockade. President Lincoln set up the blockade five days after Fort Sumter fell in Charleston, South Carolina.

"The seaports of both Charleston, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina were blocked off from receiving any supplies. Bermuda's role included the blockade runners in low, sleek ships that were unarmed and carried items such as lead, shoes, boots, rifles and ammunition into Wilmington. On the way back, the blockade runners would bring back cotton, which is where they profited the most.

"Bermuda was the transfer point for the cotton. After returning back from the Confederate states with cotton that cost only a nickel a pound in the Southern ports, a second ship then took the cotton to England where they upped the price, and made their money."

Mr. Brown and the rest of the Civil War enthusiasts, travelled around Bermuda going to the Civil War sites such as an original cotton warehouse that is not open to the public, to envision what Bermuda was like during the war.

"Even on the ship we were visualising what it would have been like coming into Bermuda as a blockade runner on one of the rogue vessels," Brown said.

Other than seeing the sites of some of the buildings that were quintessential of Bermuda's involvement, the tour group enjoyed exploring the Island and Mr. Brown said that they were enthusiastic about meeting with local Bermudians such as Brendan Hollis, a local historian who also led the tour group around historic locations.

"It was important for our group to meet locals and not just see Bermuda as tourists," said Mr. Brown.

And he said: "Of course, it was great to see that there are more stories about Bermuda then just pink sand and golf courses."