For too long the area of the beautiful North Georgia and Southeastern Tennessee region around Dalton and Chattanooga had been without an organization to promote the sport of carriage driving. It had NOT been without those that loved their driving horses or those that loved to drive. It simply had been without a formal organization. For two years it had been discussed. For two years people had said “yeah, you need to do it.” For two years it had not been done. Then one day Chris Franklin received an e-mail about another driving event from ADS VP Pat Cheatham that ended with the question, "How are you coming along with the new driving club?" One simple question, however it was the question that seemed to have the finger of the Lord pecking on Chris’ shoulder saying "yes son, How are you coming along with that new driving club?” That question and the unction behind it was just what was needed that day for him to gather several people in his home three nights later to birth the Cross Plains Driving Club, Inc. - a non-profit organization whose strictly charitable purposes are to encourage and promote the recreation, pleasure and sport of carriage driving through education, events, clinics and other necessary means with driving safety emphasized at all times.

So on a January night in 2009 a few people, 9 in all came together to birth, establish and commit to the longevity of the Cross Plains Driving Club.  Cross Plains was chosen as the name because long before Dalton, Georgia was known as Dalton, in a time when Native Americans traveled a land that wasn't called America, several of their major trails from multiple Native nations came together here and it was called Cross Plains. It was the hope of those gathered that the GA/TN border would not be a hindrance in attracting members and that those from the Southeastern Tennessee area would cross the plain and be actively involved as well.

A Board of Directors was formed...officers were elected...a club was born. 
Those in attendance for the inaugural meeting were:

Mike and Holli Broadrick, Joy Redwine, Karen Jolly, Linda Franklin, Katie Franklin, Laura Lee Franklin, Charles Franklin and Chris Franklin.

Over the next few days By laws were written and adopted; Articles of Incorporation were drawn up and properly submitted and the baby that was birthed a few nights before began to grow.

As a group we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the art and blessing of carriage driving to generations.