The 31st Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show
Originally published May-June 2026 · pp. 4–7
The 31st Annual Chickamauga Civil War Show while encouraging others to participate and share their own returned to the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, collections. This year’s award winners were as follows: Georgia, on January 7–8, launching the 2026 show season for MK Shows with strong attendance, full tables, N Best of Show: Phil McCoy – Battle of Brandy Station and an unmistakable sense of enthusiasm throughout the N Historical Significance Award: Fred Ufford – hall. According to promoter Mike Kent, the event met all the Soldiers of Viet Nam key measures of success: every table was filled, attendance N Chairman’s Award: Scott Riddle – Buckles and remained steady, and the overall mood reflected a weekend Plates of the Confederacy of genuine enjoyment for dealers, collectors, and visitors alike. As Kent noted while closing the doors on Sunday N People’s Choice Award: Matt Hagans – The Hatfield– afternoon, “You can’t ask for much more than that.” McCoy Feud The week leading into the show presented a challenge, N President’s Award: James and Isaac Teeple – Battle as a record-breaking ice and snowstorm swept through the Flag of the 19th Tennessee Nashville region. A small number of vendors were forced to cancel, primarily due to extended power outages that left them without electricity for days. Nevertheless, the Scott Riddle’s display featured his lifetime collection of collecting community responded in characteristic fashion. Confederate belt buckles and plates, an impressive and Several dealers stepped in to take additional tables, and a carefully curated presentation that drew steady attention number of last-minute holdouts finalized travel plans once throughout the weekend. Phil McCoy’s detailed and conditions improved. By opening morning, nearly 500 beautifully presented Battle of Brandy Station exhibit tables filled the convention center floor. Winter weather earned Best of Show honors and stood out for its depth is always a consideration for Dalton, with the venue perched high on a hill just off Interstate 75 at Exit 333, but clear conditions by Thursday ensured the show proceeded smoothly. A defining feature of the Dalton show continues to be its robust seminar program. This year’s presentations, organized by noted historian Greg Biggs, drew consistently strong crowds and added depth to the weekend’s activities. The seminar lineup included Michael Manning on the Civil War in Indian Territory; Scott Sallee on the execution of Abraham Lincoln; Greg Biggs on Confederate flags of the Fort Donelson campaign; and John Walsh on Civil War photography. Each presentation was well attended and contributed to the educational appeal that has become a hallmark of the event. As always, competitive displays formed one of the highlights of the show floor. Phil McCoy with his detailed and beautifully presented Battle of These exhibits allow collectors to present Brandy Station display. their research and artifacts to the public
and visual impact. James Teeple and his son Isaac received the President’s Award for their presentation centered on the battle flag of the 19th Tennessee, while Matt Hagans’ crowd-favorite display on the famous Hatfield–McCoy feud attracted considerable interest from attendees. According to Mike Kent, one well-known dealer—who preferred to remain anonymous—conducted an informal survey of more than 20 vendors regarding their favorite show on the Civil War circuit. He was surprised to find that every respondent named the Dalton show as their top choice. Kent noted that the reasons were easy to identify: • • •
The show’s central location between Nashville and Atlanta, two cities deeply tied to Civil War history A strong local heritage that is actively supported by the city of Dalton and its residents A modern, well-lit venue offering easy vendor access, ample free parking, and nearby hotels and restaurants.
Scott Riddle with his lifetime collection of Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates.
James Teeple and his son Issac with their President’s Award for the Battle Flag of the 19th Tennessee.
What began in 1995 as a modest north Georgia show with approximately 200 tables has grown steadily over three decades. Today, the event fills roughly 45,000 square feet of exhibit space with nearly 500 tables and has become one of the most anticipated shows on the calendar. With its 32nd year already in sight for 2027, the Dalton show continues to demonstrate the enduring strength and enthusiasm of the Civil War collecting community. The Franklin Middle-Tennessee Civil War Show will be held on Dec. 5-6, 2026, at the Williamson County Ag Expo in Franklin, Tenn. Visit MKShows.com for more information.
Matt Hagans with his crowd favorite display of the famous Hatfield – McCoy Feud.
Award winners, left to right: Scott Riddle, James and Isaac Teeple, Matt Hagans, Fred Ufford, and Phil McCoy.
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