Smith-Trahern Mansion

The mansion went up about a year after Clarksville's tobacco trade peaked. In 1858 more than eighteen thousand hogsheads of dark-fired tobacco shipped to international markets, returning over $2.3 million, and Clarksville's type 22 became the most famous strain in the markets of England, France, Germany and Italy. A railroad bridge over the Cumberland opened in 1859-60 and tied the city to larger systems, but the same line made Clarksville a strategic prize, and Union armies invaded in 1862.

What the plaque says

Smith-Trahern Mansion Circa 1859 This mansion was built by Christopher H. Smith noted tobacco exporter and businessman. The home reflects the style between Greek Revival and Italianate popular in the 1850's. It is believed that architect Adolphus Heiman designed the building. The mansion is significant because of its association with the pre-Civil War tobacco industry in Clarksville.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center — 0.7 mi
  An intact earthwork fort above the Cumberland and Red Rivers in Clarksville, begun with forced Black labor and later a contraband camp and recruiting center for Black soldiers.
• Dunbar Cave State Park — 3.6 mi
  A Clarksville cave with 800-year-old Mississippian artwork, later a resort and Roy Acuff's dance stage, now a state park with seasonal guided tours.
• Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge — 24 mi
  An 8,862-acre refuge on the Cumberland River floodplain near Dover, made in 1962 to replace habitat Lake Barkley flooded, wintering tens of thousands of waterfowl.

More markers nearby

• Emerald Hill — 0.3 mi
• Clarence Cameron White — 0.4 mi
• Clarksville's Slave Market — 0.5 mi
• Trinity Episcopal Church — 0.6 mi