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Fort Defiance

4.1 (16 reviews)

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Ophelia B.

Upon entering Fort Defiance the leaves from the trees drifted down to the ground as if to welcome me. Fort Defiance has a small museum, an introductory historical Civil War film, and gift shop. Beautiful views and a walking trail with historical placards are everywhere. The fort is no longer here, but its history will never be forgotten. Phyllis, a volunteer, greeted us in the welcome center. She was very helpful and set up the film for us to see. We took the self guided tour and browsed the area. The museum is small yet very informative and interactive. I plan to come here again and bring friends when the weather is cooler. Picnic tables are set all over the area to eat and drink. The most breathtaking part of Fort Defiance is the view of Clarksville and the walking trail. Admission is free and this is a definite go see place in Clarksville!

Melissa B.

Sunday, June 1st, Tony, Noel and I was driving around Clarksville checking out some lovely old Victorian Homes on Madison Street. We were making our way over to Route 79 Flea Market, while going there I noticed the sign about Fort Defiance..so once we were finished at the flea market I made the turn out the side road to the Park. Once there, it is easy to locate. The parking lot is very nice with plenty of room. There is a visitors center but it doesn't open until 1pm on Sundays so we just walked around the park. There was lots of signs to read and check out. There is also a few cannons, a few benches to sit on and a couple of picnic tables but NO Grills or Playground equipment. There is also some hiking trails that are paved and wounds out along the ridge to view the river with a lovely overlook of the city of Clarksville. There is also some hiking trails around the Earthworks of the original fort. It is well marked with plenty of signs to keep you off the Earthworks. The trees are really well marked and there are quite a few Black Cherry Trees there... The grass along the earthworks was still rather high, and sort of worried me about snakes..they need to cut this really badly. The park is FREE to enjoy which is always a plus in my book. I enjoyed the park and we ended up spending about 45 minutes there. I would go again and Highly recommend this to you and your family. Very informative and interesting park. We learned that General Stonewall Jackson was an unknown soldier while fighting at this battle here at this fort...before he became a leader for the UNION troops..I never knew that!!!!

One of the signs talking about the Fort.
Noel T.

Me, my mother, and step father came upon this place just driving around Clarksville. We had no idea it was here. We all really enjoyed the scenery and walking around to read the signs. We are always going to forts and more historical places and I'd have to say even though the grass was kinda High, I enjoyed walking out in the area where the fort once was. Since it was a Sunday we didn't get to go into the guest center, because it does not open til 1. But we over all enjoyed the park we'd definitely will come back.

Laura D.

This isn't a huge attraction but was a fun detour. It took us about 1.5-2 hours to go through it. The staff was amazing and an awesome resource for other things to see and do in the area. There is a short film in the museum with the history of the area. I was surprised to learn the fort changed hands so many times. Then there is a small museum with artifacts and records. It was a fun detour and I was happy we went.

View of downtown Clarksville from Ft Defiance Interpretive Center

Neat little place to stop to learn more history of Civil War. A nice place for a picnic and to exercise the kids. Cool shade and some river views. There is no actual fort buildings if that's what you are looking for. Very nice staff and really informative. Souvenir shop as well. 15 minute video and small museum inside Interpretive Center. Overall nice place to stop at and walk around.

Heather H.

I always bring visitors here to get a little bit of local history and some exercise. The museum is free, and has the best gallery design I've seen locally (the stuff I think about...) The guy who works there can answer any question you have about the Civil War, and is always happy to talk to visitors. There is a nice walking trail and plenty of historical postings throughout the old fort site.

Great view of downtown Clarksville.
Matthew W.

I'm always one to enjoy a hike, a view and history. Not often does that happen at the same time. The museum for fort defiance was small but was well furnished and informative. There was nothing left of the actual fort besides the large raised earthen walls where it once stood and the relics in the museum. Perched on an immense hill over looking the 100ft ling Red River the view and scenery from Fort Defiance is wonderful. There is a well made nature trail that winds around the hill and for the more adventurous like myself and my brother there are some very rugged trails off the beaten path that lead down to the river. Between the wonderful view, the small but quint museum, the nature paths (rugged or man made), the wild walnut and pecan trees and the remains of the ironic Fort Defiance this is one of the best attractions Clarksville has to offer.

Dana L.

Beautiful walk through history. Nice paved walkway. Great way to spend the afternoon. The information center is clean and has lots brochures and artifacts inside. Great place for a quiet picnic or to take pictures.

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Review Highlights - Fort Defiance

The film inside the visitor center gives you some great history of the town and the war.

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Fort Defiance - museums - Updated May 2026

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