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Clarksville Series 1 LbNA #19389 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Nov 22, 2005
Location:
City:Clarksville
County:Montgomery
State:Tennessee
Boxes:3
Planted by:Sandpiper
Found by: Pack & Play
Last found:Mar 30, 2007
Status:FFFFF
Last edited:Nov 22, 2005
NOTE: As of April 3rd, it has been reported that this series has been vandalized. I am in TN, but, unfortunately, without my stampmaking gear. I will see what is salvageable and will have to replace the series in a few months when I am next in the area. Sorry this happened just when Spring is here...


“The Screaming Eagle” Letterbox

From I-24, take exit 4 towards Clarksville. You will turn left onto Rt79 (Wilma Rudolph Blvd). At Rt374 (101st Airborne Division Pkwy) turn right towards Fort Campbell. Rt374 turns into the Purple Heart Parkway. At the intersection of Lafayette Road, turn right. As you travel down Lafayette you will see a sign reading “Entering Fort Campbell Military Reservation.” Although this is not on the post proper, it is a training area. Right before you see the sign, there are two yellow gates that are usually open. Although I have yet to see them closed, if you ever see these gates closed DO NOT GO ON FOOT! As much of an adventure letterboxing can be, it isn’t worth getting hurt or arrested because you have stumbled into army field training.

Driving past the archery range on the left, you will come to a four way intersection. Turn left onto the 101st Airborne Division Road—notice the equestrian areas. Straight ahead you will see a green and yellow sign for the Sportsman Lodge. Turn right by the sign onto Sportsman Lane. Follow the road to the parking area for the Sportsman.

One of the great things about Clarksville is its diversity and much of the diversity is thanks to Fort Campbell. Troops returning from various wars brought home war brides whose traditions and cuisine added to the cultural fabric of Clarksville. The Sportsman Lodge reflects the German influence on the city with some of the best schnitzel and German potato salad around. After locating the letterbox, step inside and experience a little bit of Germany at home. You can also find many authentic Korean and Vietnamese restaurants in the city as well.
The Fort itself was opened in 1942 and was named after William B. Campbell, a Tennessee statesman and Brigadier General of the United States Volunteers during the Civil War. Although nearly two-thirds of the 105,000 acres of post are actually in Tennessee, the post office is located in Kentucky, and the identification lies with that state.
The 101st Airborne Division aka “Screaming Eagles”, the only air assault division in the world, was established in August 1942 and has the motto of “Rendezvous with Destiny.” As a division, the 101st has never failed that prophecy. During World War II, the 101st Airborne Division led the way on D-Day in the night drop prior to the invasion. When surrounded at Bastogne, Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe answered "NUTS!" and the Screaming Eagles fought on until the siege was lifted. Since WWII the Screaming Eagles have been at the forefront of nearly every major military operation and have helped with relief efforts around the world. The 101st Airborne Division has their headquarters at Fort Campbell, and is one of several major divisions comprising the

As you approach the lodge, follow the path on the left side of the building. You may see some folks enjoying a drink on the back porch—remember that discretion is the better part of valor! Admire the view of the river off the back porch. “Hitch” up your pants (or your horse) as you take a closer look of the view. From the horse hitch, walk about five paces to a large oak tree. Experience your own “rendezvous with letterboxing” on the northwest side of the tree at the base. AIR ASSAULT!



“Riverwalk Letterbox”
Leaving the Sportsmans Lodge, return the way you came. When on The Purple Heart Parkway, take the exit for Fort Campbell/41A. Proceed South on 41A by taking a right at the light. You will be heading towards downtown Clarksville. Stay on 41A through a rather rundown part of town until you find yourself going down a steep hill (known as “Boot Hill” from the days of Acme Boot Factory) and crossing a bridge over the Red River. Take a right at the light onto Riverside Drive. Just past Wendy’s, turn into the parking lot for McGregor Park (you will probably notice the international flags flying along the road). Find a spot to park and walk towards the Cumberland Rivercenter.

The city of Clarksville was founded at the intersection of the Red and Cumberland rivers. The Cumberland River has been an important part of Clarksville commerce in the past, and even today you can watch barges proceed up and down the river as well as other kinds of recreational boats enjoying a variety of watersports on the Cumberland.

Check out the Rivercenter where you can learn more about the economy and ecology of the Cumberland. As you exit, take the path that runs along the side of the river towards an old train trestle in the distance. If you go the other way, you will be walking towards a children’s playground—but save the monkey bars for after finding your treasure! Enjoy your stroll along the river—if you come between Thanksgiving and New Years, you can also enjoy the lights that are part of “Christmas on the Cumberland”; just keep in mind that the lights attract countless people and makes being discrete and little tough.

As you near the pedestrian bridge at the end of the Riverwalk, take a look at the statue of Olympic medalist Wilma Rudolph. Possibly Clarksville’s most famous resident, Rudolph’s life is not only notable for her gold medal, but for her remarkable recovery from polio. If you don’t know the story of Wilma Rudolph, be sure to google her to learn more.

Walking back along the Riverwalk, you will come to the place where the path forks. Take the lower road closest to the river. At a certain “stage” of your stroll, you can “bank” that you will find a marker. At the base of this marker around the back you will find that which you seek.



The “Blue Ribbon” Letterbox
REPORTED MISSING: 11-06. I will replace it when I am in Clarksville in December. UPDATE: I found the box in December, so it *IS* there... happy hunting!

As you leave the parking lot of McGregor Park, turn right onto Riverside Drive. When you come to a major intersection where 41A splits from Rt13 and Rt48, follow Rt13/48 towards the Clarksville Fairgrounds. The entrance to the Fairgrounds is just a few hundred feet ahead once you turn off 41A. Go into the Fairgrounds, passing the JayCee building and a pond with a fountain on the left.

The Clarksville Fairgrounds hosts numerous events throughout the year from local soccer games to the North Tennessee State Fair to craft shows. At the North Tennessee State Fair, you can win a stuffed animal by knocking down some bottles or you might win a blue ribbon for that family jelly recipe. Any day of the week, the Fairgrounds is also a great place to have a picnic, take a jog or launch your boat.

Drive the loop of the Fairgrounds. You will drive past the model airplane exhibition area and a boat ramp. Continue the loop past the playground. Once past the playground, look for a picnic pavilion that is closest to the bridge in the distance. Park your car and walk down to the overlook.

From the overlook you will see a metal “porch swing.” Take seat, relax and enjoy the view a moment. When you are ready, look over your right shoulder: you will see a tree with some exposed roots in the distance. Walk towards the tree—your target is near! “Stumped?” The box is hidden about 50 feet away. Approach from below and check the base.

If you have worked up an appetite from all of this treasure-hunting, hang a right as you leave the Fairgrounds and drive until you cross a bridge. Just over the bridge is “The Catfish House”, the best place for fried catfish, hushpuppies and okra ANYWHERE. Celebrate your finds with a glass of sweet tea and a much deserved meal.

To get back to I-24, backtrack to Riverside Drive. Stay on Riverside Drive, which turns into Kraft Street, until it dead ends into College Street/Wilma Rudolph Blvd (Rt79). Take a left onto Rt79: you will proceed past numerous restaurants and a mall. The ramps to Rt24 will be past the mall.

Thanks for exploring this Clarksville series—check back for a second series in the spring/summer 2006.