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Take an Immersive Tour of Montgomery County Heritage

July 21, 2023

group hearing a pioneer demonstration
19th medical demonstration.

Ready for a little history? August offers a great opportunity to take a step back in time and explore several sites that tell the story of life as it was.

Just a short drive from downtown Clarksville, Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement is presenting Montgomery County Heritage Day on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the family to see 19th-century demonstrations of historic skills and crafts along with reenactors portraying Montgomery County citizens of the 1800s. Special event admission for both days is $10 per adult, $5 per child ages 6-12, and ages 0-5 are free. Located at 4711 Weakley Road, Southside.

 

woman with a mobile app at a museum sign
Check in at local places with the Visit Clarksville App.

A helpful companion on your history quest is the Visit Clarksville app, which includes Challenge Trails. (Download the VisitClarksvilleTN mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Open the app and choose the Trails icon.) Complete any or all of the 18 “trails” and earn cool and fun collectible pins. History buffs will appreciate the Heritage Trail, which includes Historic Collinsville among several other sites to explore:

 

historic gothic buidling
Customs House Museum by Lindsay Ferrier.

Customs House Museum & Cultural Center

Built in 1898 as a US Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is among the most photographed buildings in the region. The state’s second-largest general history museum, the center features rotating shows, art galleries, and a newly renovated explorer’s floor complete with a bubble cave, family art room, and a massive model train exhibit. Located at 200 South Second Street, Clarksville.

 

landscape of a lake and a cave entrance
Dunbar Cave State Park photo by @dlvanderpool.

Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave is a remarkable prehistoric site, not just for Tennessee but for the entire Eastern Woodlands. The cave has been used for thousands of years and is the site of significant prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art dating to the 14th century. The 144-acre park is home to an array of wildlife, nearly five miles of trails, and picnic areas. Located at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road, Clarksville.

 

a round visitor center and a statue
Fort Defiance Civil War Park by Chris Lancia, Grid Square Recon.

Fort Defiance Interpretive Center & Park

Fort Defiance overlooks the Red and Cumberland Rivers atop a 200′ bluff, giving the earthen works fort a breathtaking view of the Clarksville skyline. A large interpretive center tells and shows the history of the site – and the Civil War – from many perspectives. Located at 120 Duncan Street, Clarksville.

After you’ve checked off all the sites on the Heritage Trail, make plans to tackle one of the other trails, such as Outdoors, Public Art, Scenic Spots, Unique Shopping, Food & Beverages… and so many more!