Chickamauga Civil War Show

 The 15th Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show was held at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center, Dalton, Georgia on February 2nd and 3rd, 2010. This show is promoted by Mike Kent who runs a first class operation. It is held in a great Civil War area. Chattanooga, Tunnell Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Chickamauga, Resaca, and the Confederate winter camps are located nearby. The weather was good in Georgia that weekend but had it's share of snow the following weekend. The show was packed with people both Saturday and Sunday. Your correspondent only found time to take photos early Sunday morning before the crowds arrived.    

Civil War Dealers from across the country set up at this show. Besides the many types of relics, educational displays on various aspects of the war were available for viewing. This award winning diplay on Burnside Rifles and Burnside Breast Plates was made by Ernie Arnold.

Mike Estes displayed some of his rare dug Confederate plates. He has one of the great CS plate collections that he enjoys discussing with the public.

Ohio Volunteer Relics Philip Ley traveled from Athens, Ohio to attend the show. Even after a long trip, his friendliness was catagious.  

Jim Hammonds breaks open his wallet to buy some GAR Documents from Vann Martin of The Veteran's Attic. The family on the right proudly show their relic purchase.

Bullet experts Lynn King and Ed Travis check out the various projectiles.  On the right, my good friend David Beville stopped by my table to say hello.  He has had a great interest in the Civil War for the past 45 years.

Relic Hunter Benny Moss brought a unusual Confederate shell to the show. It is a CS shell that had been plugged in order to be used as a solid shot.  I met Benny when deactivating one of his other artillery shells.

My relic neighbor, Daniel Ogle stands behind his fine selection of relics for sale. Stan Hughes of Corinth Civil War Relics stands at attention before the show starts.  

Author Henry Higgins guards my table while Coach Steve Corrigan takes a break from Henry's war stories and jokes.

Dr. Larry Cooper and his relic hunting partner Frank Warren did not set up at the show this year, instead using the time to pursue their hobby. On the right, New Hope Church relic hunter Dennis Deal checks out the local relics for sale. 

Oh Fiddle Dee Antiques' Martha Nelson definately had one of the prettiest smiles at the show.  She and her husband are from Chickamauga and this was their first show at Dalton.

The North Georgia Relics Hunters Association Club Officer's came to the show to buy prizes for their club. L-R, Vice President Brian Copeland, President Bill Swafford, and Treasurer Jim Hammonds stop to say hello. Planning is already underway for the club's Civil War Show to be held at the Cobb Civic Center, Marietta, Georgia on August 14th & 15th, 2010.

Melody Pendergrass bought this Civil War print as Valentine present to someone we all know. It wouldn't be a Civil War show without seeing David and Robert there each year.

Less than a week later, Georgia got hit with some heavy snow as well as most of the country. The Chickamauga Show timing was excellent. It remains one of the best shows in the country.