I didn't want this small piece of Clarksville to go unnoticed, so
I've placed a micro here with the intention of getting folks to
visit. This is in Fort Defiance, one of Clarksville's many Civil
War relics. The history of this ground is cache worthy on it's own.
I didn't want this small piece of Clarksville to go unnoticed, so
I've placed a micro here with the intention of getting folks to
visit. This is on park grounds, due to local park officals request.
Please don't wander into the woods they are off limits. While
you're here, read all the plaques around the park, it's a lot of
history. Have fun and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
This earthen fort was quickly constructed in 1861-1862 by
confederate forces to defend Clarksville. 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. Fort Defiance, surrendered without a shot and it was
burned and abandoned prior to the capture of Clarksville. The
Federals took over the fort and enlarged it so that it would
control traffic on the Hopkinsville Pike. Clarksville was left with
a small garrison of Union Troops. In April 1862, this small
garrison was made up of the 71st Ohio Volunteers commanded by Col.
Rodney Mason.
During July and August 1862, there was an increase in guerrilla
activity around Clarksville. On August 18, 1862, Clarksville was
recaptured by Confederate Calvary. Col. Mason was cashiered for
surrendering Clarksville so easily. Union soldiers were sent from
Fort Donelson to retake Clarksville in September 1862. Skirmishes
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. The earthen fort is on a bluff with a view of the Cumberland
and Red Rivers, and the town of Clarksville.
Fort Defiance Quick Facts
Fort Defiance was once known as Fort Sevier and again as Fort
Bruce.
The fort sits on a 200 foot high buff overlooking the Cumberland
River.
A gun platform facing north over-looked the Cumberland river, one
gun platform faced west and another bomb-proof gun platform faced
south. The main gate of the fort opened to the east.
When Fort Defiance fell to Union troops, the ironclad U.S.S. Cairo
and the Conestoga were on the Cumberland River near
Clarksville.
Fort Clark was situated on the opposite bank of the Red River from
Fort Defiance. Trenches inside the fort were constructed for
communication and at least one powder magazine.