Fort Defiance, Tennessee — History & Visitor Guide

Fort Defiance (Clarksville, Tennessee)

Clarksville · Tennessee · Civil War

Quick BriefFort Defiance was a fort built during the American Civil War at Clarksville, Tennessee, on the Cumberland River. Built in late 1861 by Confederate troops with the forced labor of over 300 African Americans, the earthen fort was originally called Fort Sevier. On February 19, 1862, Union gunboats found the fort displayed a white flag and was deserted. Under Union control, the fort became a refuge for African Americans from across Tennessee and the South, serving as a contraband camp where runaway and freed slaves found protection and as a recruitment center where Black men could enlist in the Union army.

Civil WarOpen to visitors

History & Significance

In November 1861, Confederate troops began to build a defensive fort that would control the river approach to Clarksville, mounting three guns in the fort. Its purpose was to defend the strategic Red and Cumberland Rivers leading to Clarksville.

On February 19, 1862, Union gunboats came up the river from Fort Donelson and reported the fort displayed a white flag and was deserted. The Union took over the fort and enlarged it so that it would control traffic on the Hopkinsville (Kentucky) Pike.

In April 1862, the garrison was made up of the 71st Ohio Volunteers commanded by Col. Rodney Mason. On August 18, 1862, Clarksville was recaptured by Confederate Cavalry, and Col. Mason was cashiered for surrendering Clarksville so easily, although this penalty was later revoked.

Union soldiers were sent from Fort Donelson to retake Clarksville in September 1862, with skirmishes 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.

Under Union control, the fort became a refuge for African Americans, serving as a contraband camp and recruitment center. The city of Clarksville dedicated a new $2 million Fort Defiance Interpretive Center in 2011 in time for the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War.

Key Facts

StateTennessee

LocationClarksville

Established1861

War / eraCivil War

Current statusMuseum / Historic Site

Coordinates36.5406, -87.3725

Map

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🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Original earthen fortifications and trenches from Civil War era
Interpretive center with exhibits on fort's Confederate and Union history
Walking trails through four-acre park along Cumberland River
Strategic defensive position overlooking river access to Clarksville

Best time to visitSpring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer mild temperatures ideal for outdoor walking trails; summers in Tennessee can be hot and humid.

Getting thereFort Defiance is near Clarksville, Tennessee; the nearest commercial airport is Nashville International (BNA), approximately 60 miles south.

From the nearest major airportNashville International Airport (BNA)🚗 59 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 1 hr 14 min drive

Fort Defiance (Clarksville, Tennessee)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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