Transforming a long-neglected, unused train trestle into a landmark that celebrates Clarksville’s history, landscapes, and cultural institutions, this project was designed to revitalize the Crossland Avenue corridor near Valleybrook Park. Five-foot photographic images of the following iconic Clarksville buildings and works of art by photographer David E. Smith now adorn both sides of the R. J. Corman trestle over Crossland Avenue. This joint project of the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council and Clarksville Street Department is funded through a Tennessee Arts Commission Creative Placemaking grant.
Austin Peay State University
601 College Street, Clarksville TN 37044
This site has been used for education since 1806, more than a century before Austin Peay Normal School opened there in 1927. Named for Clarksville native and Tennessee Governor Austin Peay, the institution became Austin Peay State University in 1967 and is known for programs including the Centers of Excellence for the Creative Arts and for Field Biology.
Source: Austin Peay State University
Cumberland Riverwalk & River Museum
640 N. Riverside Drive, Clarksville TN 37040
This riverfront site connects visitors with the Cumberland River, which shaped Clarksville’s commerce, transportation and development.
Source: Visit Clarksville
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
200 S. Second Street, Clarksville TN 37040
Built in 1898 as a federal Customs House and Post Office during Clarksville’s tobacco-trade era, this Victorian building later served as the city’s Department of Electricity before becoming a museum in 1984. It now houses exhibitions and collections documenting Clarksville and Montgomery County history.
Fort Defiance
120 Duncan Street, Clarksville TN 37040
One of five forts built by the Confederacy to defend control of the Cumberland River, Fort Defiance retains remarkably intact Civil War earthworks. After Union forces captured it, the site became an enlistment location for the U.S. Colored Troops.
Source: City of Clarksville
Freedom Point
250 Marina Way, Clarksville TN 37040
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a riverfront setting, Freedom Point is one of Clarksville’s distinctive waterfront venues.
Source: Visit Clarksville
Historic Collinsville
4711 Weakley Road, Southside TN 37171
This preserved 19th-century settlement offers a glimpse into everyday life in rural Tennessee through historic homes, workshops and farm buildings.
Source: Visit Clarksville
L&N Train Depot
189 S. 10th Street, Clarksville TN 37040
Built in 1882, the depot served passengers until 1968. Bobby Goldsboro’s song “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore” was inspired by the Clarksville depot.
Source: City of Clarksville
Lenora “Nora” Witzel Sculpture
Montgomery County Historic Courthouse Plaza, 150 S. Third Street, Clarksville TN 37040
This bronze sculpture honors pioneering Clarksville photographer Lenora “Nora” Witzel (1875–1961), who documented the city’s people and places for nearly three decades. Created by sculptor Andrea Lugar and dedicated in 2007, the sculpture depicts Witzel with her camera and her dog, Nettie.
Source: Visit Clarksville
Montgomery County Historic Courthouse
1 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville TN 37040
Built in 1878–79 after fire destroyed the earlier courthouse, the building was damaged by fire again in 1900 and by the 1999 tornado. It remains one of downtown Clarksville’s most recognizable historic buildings.
Source: Visit Clarksville
Pat Head Summitt Statue
Liberty Park, 1188 Cumberland Drive, Clarksville TN 37040
This statue honors Clarksville native and legendary University of Tennessee coach Pat Head Summitt. It stands near Freedom Point and forms a symbolic pairing with the Wilma Rudolph statue.
Source: Visit Clarksville
Poston Building & Uneeda Biscuit Ghost Sign
122–130 Public Square, Clarksville TN 37040
Built in 1842, the Poston Building is among Clarksville’s oldest surviving commercial structures. Its painted Uneeda Biscuit advertisement was positioned where riverboat passengers could see it.
Source: Visit Clarksville
R. J. Corman Railroad Bridge
Cumberland River at Downtown Clarksville, TN
The original bridge was completed in 1860. In 1906, a train plunged into the river when the bridge’s swing span was open.
Source: Montgomery County
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street, Clarksville TN 37040
The building dates to 1947 and became a live performance theatre in 1983, transforming over the years from a community dinner theatre to a professional regional theatre. The site is planned to become a Performing Arts Center, with an anticipated opening in 2028.
Source: Roxy Regional Theatre
Tennessee Triumph Suffrage Statue
Public Square, Clarksville TN 37040
This bronze statue represents women of all ages and backgrounds who gained the right to vote. Tennessee was the crucial 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment.
Tip of the Spear Sculpture
Patriots Park, 3176 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville TN 37042
This stainless-steel Screaming Eagle by sculptor Mark Aeling honors the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division and symbolizes the connection between Clarksville and Fort Campbell. The 27-foot sculpture was dedicated on August 13, 2022.
Source: MGA Sculpture Studio
Wilma Rudolph Statue
Liberty Park, 1188 Cumberland Drive, Clarksville TN 37040
This statue honors Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph and stands outside the event center named for her. The sculpture was transported in three pieces for installation.
Source: Visit Clarksville
Photographs courtesy of David E. Smith, Clarksville Aerial Photography