Clarksville is Part of National Civil War Trail
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau has unveiled four new Civil War markers that are part of the Civil War Trail, a national effort that has placed nearly 800 signs in historic locations.
The CVB has been working with the Civil War Trails program and a dedicated group of Clarksville volunteers and historians. Several organizations helped to fund this program including: Montgomery County Historical Society, Fort Campbell Historical Foundation and the 19th Alabama Infantry Regiment. A state grant was also awarded to the project.
Information was gathered about several places in and around Clarksville and signs have been placed near the following locations: Public Square, the corner of College St. and University Avenue, First Church of God on Dover Road and near the Cumberland River overpass. Several other markers are currently in the works and should be announced in the near future.
An short celebration was held Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 10:30am with the presentation of the marker on Public Square. The event was free and open to the public. State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker was in attendance and stressed the importance of such trails. “Arts and heritage travelers are people who leave the community better than when they found it and are more inclined to invest in the places they visit. These markers are a great addition to this community.”
Former Chairman of the CVB board Brad Martin, who oversaw the project, is excited about the progress. “Clarksville has such a rich heritage and the Civil War is part of our history. It may have been a long and arduous process, but I think everyone should be proud of the work this committee has accomplished”. The Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau will be overseeing the upkeep of the signs. Theresa Harrington, Executive Director of the CVB appreciates all of the hard work that has gone into this project. “Clarksville has such dedicated community leaders; people who understand the importance of being involved in community projects”.
The Civil War Trail program is a precursor to upcoming plans for commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial. As the anniversary draws near more information will be available. Maps and additional information regarding the Civil War Trail can be found at the Civil War Trail website.
