Yesterday saw a respectable turnout for the 43rd Annual Relic Show in Fredericksburg, Virginia, brought to you by the Fredericksburg Relic Hunters Association. It was held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles #4123 and featured a variety of vendors, focusing mainly on the American Civil War, though there were a few other items related to the Revolutionary War.
According to their website, “For 40 plus years collectors, relic hunters, dealers, and the general public have gathered for a 100 plus tables of American Civil War relics, artifacts, guns, knives, and everything else American Civil War. This is the show of the year in the central Virginia area, the heart of the civil war. After a long winter (or relic hunting season as the hardcore relic hunter will tell you!!) it’s the first chance for local diggers to offer their finds to the market. This is one thing that sets our show apart from the others. This is the original relic show in the heart of Civil War country!”
It was a great forum for relic hunters, Civil War buffs, and the curious to mingle, talk, and explore the historical items. Some tables had a huge variety of personal photos and visitor cards dating from the 1860s and earlier for sale.
Although I didn’t find much in the way of 1861 items, there were lots of bullets, bayonets, artillery shells, accouterments, medical devices, meticulously preserved firearms, and even a drum. If you can make it next year, I highly recommend a visit.
Spirit of '61 