Clarksville, Tennessee

Remember! Your vacation, your choices. Visit as many or few of the included attractions in Clarksville listed below at no cost. From Civil War history to elegant historic mansions, Clarksville certainly offers much to explore!

SMITH-TRAHERN MANSION

Overlooking the Cumberland River, this majestic home was designed by Adolphus Heiman in 1858 for wealthy tobacconist Christopher Smith. The home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which were very popular at that time. Although not as large as some, the home boasts grand hallways, an exquisite curved staircase and a widow’s walk on the roof. In 1998, the mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CUSTOM HOUSE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER

As the state’s second largest general history museum, the center features rotating shows, art galleries, and a massive model train exhibit. Built in 1898 as a US Post Office and Customs House, it was originally used to handle the large volume of foreign mail created by the city’s international tobacco business. The building also contains three vaults. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURTHOUSE

The first Montgomery County courthouse was built from logs in 1796 by James Adams. It was located close to the riverbank with the rest of the early town, on the corner of present-day Riverside Drive and Washington Street. After this, numerous courthouses replaced the original, until finally reaching the sixth replacement. It was designed by George W. Bunting of Indianapolis, Indiana. Five years later, the downtown area was hit by a tornado, which damaged the roof of the courthouse. Then in 1900, the structure was ravaged by fire, with the upper floors gutted and the clock tower destroyed.

FORT DEFIANCE CIVIL WAR PARK & INTERPRETIVE CENTER

In November 1861, Confederate troops began to build a defensive fort that would control the river approach to Clarksville. They mounted three guns in the fort. On February 19, 1862, Federal gunboats came up the river from Fort Donelson and reported the fort displayed a white flag and was deserted. The Federals took over the fort and enlarged it so that it would control traffic on the Hopkinsville Pike. On August 18, 1862, Clarksville was recaptured by Confederate Calvary. Union soldiers were sent from Fort Donelson to retake Clarksville in September 1862. Battles were fought at New Providence on September 6, 1862 and at Riggins Hill on September 7, 1862. The town and fort were reoccupied by Federal troops who remained for the rest of the war. Col. Bruce was placed in command at Clarksville and Fort Defiance was renamed Fort Bruce. Today, visitors are encouraged to walk the trails and enjoy the history that the location represents. Displays, cannons, and the occasional reenactors are just some of the things you can enjoy on your visit to Fort Defiance. 24