Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery,[1] especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Therefore, steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”, in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.
I remember seeing Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea when I was a kid and thinking how cool the submarine was. Then I actually read Jules Verne’s book. Followed up by “The Mysterious Island”, “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, “Around the World in 80 Days”,”From the Earth to the Moon” (ALL available, btw, on Amazon for the Kindle–most are free!). I could not get enough of Verne. Somewhere along the line I got introduced to Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, John Carter (NOT the movie that came and went a couple of years ago), and others. Sure they were science fiction and yes, they did take place in the mid to late 19th century but I never thought anything of it. It was just good reading. Little did I know the insidious seeds of steampunk were being planted.
Then along comes “The Wild, Wild West” 
in the mid to late ’60s with all of its cool gadgets and gizmos. James West and Artemus Gordon (Quick, who played which character?) defeating the villain of the week. West in pants so tight I wondered how he managed to move. In fact, just thinking about it makes me hurt in my nether regions. Artemus had those brilliant disgueses along with his mental prowess instead of physical strength. I wanted to be like both of them. And they had that cool train! (QUICK, what was the name of the train?) What kid wouldn’t want that to travel in. What adult wouldn’t want to travel in that! The seeds had been watered and were starting to sprout.
Speaking of trains, growing up, seemed like we always got a chance to ride on a steam train. Or at least something that looked like a steam train. Amusement parks, zoos, “vacation destinations”, historical areas, national parks, where ever. Short rides. Long rides. Sometimes even attacked by Indians (Cherokee attacked trains in North Carolina?) Even today, I’m attracted to, fascinated by, steam locomotives and trains. Yes, I’ve ridden the Tarantula, out of Grapevine, TX., several times as well as a couple of others since I “grew up”. Those seeds were now well past the seedling stage.
Most recently, I have gotten hooked on Syfy’s “Warehouse 13“. (Yes, it is cheesy but in a good sort of way.) If you look carefully at Artie’s office and desk, you see that it is a steampunk’s dream office. Try and get a glimpse of his keyboard. Shoot, just look at the Farnsworth. While it was “created” in the early ’20s, it still screams, “Steampunk!” to me.
Today, when I’m looking for computer build inspiration, I gravitate to those designs and builds that would appear to be inspired by the steampunk “movement” or are blatantly steampunk. Watercooling is getting to be very common in higher-end builds–especially if you are into overclocking. Well, all that plumbing sure seems “steampunky” to me.
Then there is the fashion. Now those who know me are well aware of the fact that I am FAR from a fashion-ista. But I do like that steampunk style. For both men and women. BTW, I ran across this site and was VERY impressed with the quality of the costumes, err, dress as well as the photography. And this website has some amazing artwork as well.
So, hello world: I’m a closeted steampunk and am just now realizing it. Don’t however, look for me to be be dressing the part any time soon.