CLARKSVILLE, TN – Fort Defiance Interpretive Center will host a living history event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, to commemorate the surrender of Fort Defiance to Union soldiers in 1862.
The surrender of Clarksville was a significant event in Civil War history, opening the South to Union forces and the capture of Nashville. Uniformed soldiers will provide living history and cannon-firing demonstrations. Visitors are invited to tour the permanent exhibit and view the film, “Crossroads of Change.” There will be several new activities and special guests this year. Dr. Curt Fields will appear as General Ulysses S. Grant at 10 a.m., and Historical Interpreter William Parker will be giving a special talk titled, “The Soldiers Burden” at 1 p.m.
“The surrender event is one of the biggest and oldest annual events at Fort Defiance,” said Roxanne Jenkins, Associate Historical Interpreter at Fort Defiance. “We welcome visitors to the Interpretive Center to learn about the role of Clarksvillians during the Civil War and the impact the war had on all of their lives.”
This is a free event that is open to the public. Activities and demonstrations will be inside the Interpretive Center and outdoors. For information about Fort Defiance, visit ClarksvilleParkRec.com or call 931-645-7476.