CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Montgomery County is bursting with history, arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. A new educational opportunity for the community is the African American Legacy trail. This self guided downtown walking trail and county drive will lead you on a trip through Clarksville to key locations. The trail is meant to honor the legacy of African American history in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
The interactive map can be accessed from any mobile device on the County’s website. While some of the residences or buildings may not exist, or may now be private residences, historical markers are still available to view.
There are 19 different locations on the trail. Along with well known inclusions such as Wilma Rudolph and Burt School other highlights include:
Burt Home Infirmary – The Infirmary was the first hospital in Clarksville. Dr. Robert Tecumseh Burt, an African-American surgeon, and his wife, Emma, a nurse and anesthetist, opened the hospital in 1906 in their home.
Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center at APSU – Reverend Wilbur N. Daniel was the first African-American admitted for study at Austin Peay State University, graduating in 1957. Today the center is a resource for APSU students and hosts events throughout the year.
Brandon Hill Youth Heritage Garden – In this historic African American community, the garden is a gathering place for neighborhood children to raise vegetables and fruits with parents and grandparents. The community cultivates awareness about African-American food and heritage.
Steve Wylie – A professional baseball player and Clarksville native, Steve Wylie was a pitcher in the Negro Leagues from 1944-47 for the Memphis Red Sox and Kansas City Monarchs. He now has a field dedicated to him at Heritage Park.
Bethel Meeting House – Since 1812, preachers had used the location as a meeting house. Local legend says that the Bell Witch attended a service. A brick sanctuary built by slaves still stands on this site.
The project was a collaboration between several different community organizations and local leadership. Students at Rossview High School also assisted with the project. The logo brochure design by Rossview High School Academy of Media Arts and Technology student, Kathryn Boyer, and teacher, Hannah Brooks. Jerome Parchman, Project Historian Shana Thornton, Director, Terry Morris, Public Relations and Fundraising.
Local community leadership included Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, Montgomery County government, City of Clarksville, Visit Clarksville, and others.