Given by Dec 19 2008
Smith-Trahern Mansion
Built in 1859 in Clarksville, just before the start of the Civil War, the Smith-Trahern Mansion overlooks the Cumberland River. This beautiful home represents an excellent example of late Greek-Revival and early Italianate architecture. The mansion was built by the prominent Smith family and the architect is believed to have been Adolphus Helman. Christopher smith was a businessman, tobacco farmer, and riverboat captain.
There is an interesting legend that is often told about this house. Christopher Smith died of yellow fever while in New Orleans which was rampant in the mid 1800’s. It is reported that the boat transporting his body back to Clarksville experienced a terrible explosion in which his body was lost and never recovered. The story goes that Mrs. Smith, watching out the front parlor window, was so distraught at this news that she rarely left the window from that day until her death. There are also claims by some to see her in the parlor window to this day when they have visited the mansion. If you are ever in Clarksville, the Smith-Trahern Mansion is a must see.
