Fort Defiance Civil War Park to Host Living History Event

Commemorating the surrender of Clarksville in 1862

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center in Clarksville, Tennessee is hosting a special living history event on Saturday, February 21, 2026 to commemorate the historic surrender of Clarksville during the Civil War. The event will feature reenactments, demonstrations, and educational activities for visitors of all ages.

Why it matters

The event offers an opportunity for the local community and visitors to experience and learn about Clarksville's pivotal role in the Civil War. It helps preserve the region's history and connect people to the past through immersive, hands-on experiences.

The details

The event will feature the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry camping on-site and participating in musket drills, as well as demonstrations from Porter's Battery artillery. Visitors can explore period equipment, uniforms, and learn about Civil War camp life. There will also be indoor activities like a Ladies' Tea demonstrating Victorian tea etiquette. Guests can tour the park's exhibits, view a film about Clarksville's role in the war, and gain a deeper understanding of this important historical event.

  • The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The players

Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center

A historical site in Clarksville, Tennessee that serves as a place of learning, remembrance, and connection to the region's Civil War past.

Friends of Fort Defiance

A partner organization that is co-hosting the living history event with the Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center.

Roxanne Jenkins

The Associate Historical Interpreter at Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center.

9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry

A reenactment group that will be camping on-site and participating in musket drills during the event.

Porter's Battery

A reenactment group that will be providing artillery demonstrations during the event.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to partner with the Friends of Fort Defiance for the annual Surrender of Clarksville event at Fort Defiance.”

— Roxanne Jenkins, Associate Historical Interpreter (clarksvillenow.com)

“The 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry will camp throughout the day while participating in musket drills, and Porter's Battery will provide artillery demonstrations. Visitors will hear stories of soldiers, see period equipment, authentic uniforms, and learn all about Civil War camp life.”

— Roxanne Jenkins, Associate Historical Interpreter (clarksvillenow.com)

“There will be many activities indoors as well, including a Ladies' Tea demonstrating Victorian tea etiquette. It will be an exciting experience for anyone interested in learning about Clarksville's past, with over 30 reenactors on site.”

— Roxanne Jenkins, Associate Historical Interpreter (clarksvillenow.com)

What’s next

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the park's permanent indoor exhibit, view the film 'Crossroads of Change,' and discover how Clarksville's surrender played a key role in shaping the course of the Civil War in middle Tennessee.

The takeaway

This living history event at Fort Defiance Civil War Park provides an immersive and educational experience for the local community and visitors to connect with Clarksville's pivotal role in the Civil War. By preserving and sharing this history, the event helps foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region's past.