Georgia On My Mind
Originally published March 2024 · pp. 1–6
Some of the 500 tables of dealers and displays at this show. DALTON, Ga.—Georgia was on everyone’s mind as the 29th Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show kicked off on February 3rd and 4th at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia. As always, it was a huge success according to promoter Mike Kent of MK Shows. Weather is always a concern for the February Dalton show, but the sun came out and skies were clear for a warm winter’s day start to the show. General Manager Doug Phipps reported cars in the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. on Friday as dealers jockeyed for unloading positions prior to the 10 a.m. official opening time. Move in and set up was frantic as dealers quickly unloaded their merchandise and hit the floor looking for new treasures for their collection, their websites, or just to trade and sell to other enthusiasts. Commerce was brisk with dealers traveling to and fro across the 45,000 square foot exhibit hall, buying, selling, trading, and comparing notes on all types of artifacts and memorabilia. One dealer pointed out an unusual Bowie knife on his table he had owned on three different occasions over a ten year span, indicating how quality collectibles will always find a new home if the price is right. The Chickamauga Show is far from an ordinary event; it is a spectacular gathering of enthusiasts from as far away as Texas, New York, and Hawaii. Their passion for history brings them hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to participate in this annual event with likeminded individuals. Part of the draw of the Chickamauga Show is its location and inherent relationship to the Battle of Chickamauga, with fighting recorded just across Dug Gap Battle Road where the Dalton Convention Center resides. Dalton takes great pride in its Civil War past and hosts the show each year with assistance in advertising, accommodations, and a gracious welcome to all show participants and attendees. This is the largest Civil War Show held in Georgia and is second in size only to MK Shows’s Middle Tennessee Civil War Show, the largest show in the South The resounding success of the Chickamauga Civil War Show owes much to the tireless efforts of Dalton Convention Center General Manager Doug Phipps and Event Services Manager Tuesday Jones, both who have been instrumental in helping establish and grow the Chickamauga Show from its inception to its current size today, especially the Civil War Speaker’s Bureau. The 2024 schedule of speakers featured several new faces as well as some regulars brought back by popular demand. Well known Dalton attorney Robert Jenkins was instrumental in putting together another delightful day of entertaining and informative talks spanning a total of six hours and adding to the show’s popularity. The speakers and their topics were as follows: • • • • • •
John Walsh – The 66th Illinois Western Sharpshooters Jim Ogden – Braxton Bragg’s Chickamauga Plan Dave Powell – The Opening Phase of the Atlanta Campaign Robert Jenkins – The Truth at Cassville Dr. Keith Bohannan – Confederate Veteran’s Reunions in Georgia Scott Sallee – Joe Porter’s War – The Civil War in Northeast Missouri
Speakers were available after their time slots to answer questions, further discuss their topics, and in many cases sign books for the attendees which made for a much more informal and intimate afternoon. Even though Civil War shows are primarily venues for enthusiasts and collectors to buy, sell, and trade artifacts and memorabilia, they are also an opportunity for participants to showcase and display their collections. Displays can run the gamut from a single table highlighting an unusual or identified weapon, multiple tables encompassing various items relating to a person, battle or military unit, or many items of the same type showing all the variations used during the War. Displays are also a great way for their owners to meet other enthusiasts with information or items they could possibly track down and add to their collections as well. These individuals are driven not by profit but by their love of history and collecting and their interest and commitment to preserving our heritage deserves recognition. If you missed this year’s Chickamauga Civil War Show, don’t despair! Mark your Award Winners:
Dr. Bill Blackman, Kenny Copelin, and Scott Riddle each took home a Historical Preservation Award for their combined Confederate buckle and belt plate display, which many agreed was the largest display of Confederate buckles ever exhibited under one roof. John Walsh, owner of Fort Donelson Relics, received top honors and the Best of Show Award for his display entitled “The 66th Illinois Western Sharpshooters.” The display included artifacts such as documents, photographs, reunion badges, and engraved rifles used by the 66th Illinois Sharpshooters.
John Walsh, owner of Fort Donelson Relics and winner of the Best of Show Award for his display about the 66th Illinois Western Sharpshooters. Artillery collector Glenn Dutton (L) and show promoter Mike Kent.
calendars for February 1 & 2, 2025, and prepare to be part of history once again. For information on all shows hosted by MK Shows, visit their website MKShows.com or contact Mike Kent via email at Mike@ MKShows.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this once a year event. Make plans now to join your fellow collectors, dealers and enthusiasts at one of the premier Civil War events in the country—the Chickamauga Civil War Show!
A fantastic collection of flagstaff finials presented by Del Thomasson. Jason Kaplan (L) and Vin Caponi discussing the pros and cons of an antique musket. Mercer University Press has been a participant at the show for many years. (L to R) Jenny Toole, Robert Jenkins, and Marsha Luttrell.
The Confederate buckle gurus with their award-winning displays. (L to R) Dr. Bill Blackman, Scott Riddle, and Kenny Copelin.
