CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center will be offering a variety of family-friendly events in October.
Fort Defiance is a community favorite historic site, located at 120 Duncan St., and will be hosting two festive events in Octobers for visitors of all ages.
History Alive is a new event that will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will feature an evening of history, music, and 19th-century fare at this fundraiser hosted by the Friends of Fort Defiance.
Participants will enjoy a detailed tour of the fort and a cannon demonstration as they listen to the music of “The Traveling Caudells,” a husband and wife guitar and fiddle duo. There will also be a silent auction that will take place throughout the evening. Admission is free, but donations to the Friends of Fort Defiance will be accepted.
Halloween at Fort Defiance will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors are invited to gather around the bonfire and hear historical tales of haunted places and frightful faces. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be served. The event is recommended for ages 8 and up.
To find out more, follow the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Facebook page or call 931-472-3351.
Fort Defiance, which overlooks the confluence of the Red and Cumberland rivers, was a cornerstone of the Confederate defense of the area and an important part of the eventual Union occupation of Clarksville. In 1982, Judge and Mrs. Sam Boaz, donated the property to the City of Clarksville. In 2008, the City secured a $2.2 million federal grant that was combined with local funding and construction of the interpretive center and walking trails began. The more than 1,500-square-foot Center features exhibits about the local area and the fort during the Civil War.
Fort Defiance Interpretive Center is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. during the spring and summer.