Dunbar Cave State Natural Area in Clarksville, TN attracts thousands of visitors each year to its natural beauty, scenic hiking trails and enchanting cavern. It also offers fishing, picnicking, golf and cave tours.
The historic 110-acre park was acquired by the state of Tennessee in 1973 and is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
History
The 8.07-mile cave is the 75th longest cave in the United States and has been occupied by man for thousands of years.
More than 30 rare cave drawings and etchings have been discovered in the cave and are on public display. While they can't be carbon dated because the process would destroy them, they are estimated to be a part of the Mississippian Era, which is around 700 to 1300 AD, based on remnants of torches found in the area.
Included in these pictographs are religious symbols and a Mississippian supernatural warrior.
The cave is named after Thomas Dunbar, who lost the cave to its modern discoverer, Isaac Rowe Peterson, in a legal battle in 1792. Peterson had explored the area in 1790 and staked a claim to the cave and surrounding area. He then returned to North Carolina to move his family to their new home in Tennessee.
Dunbar, unaware of the claim, explored the area during Peterson's absence and settled on the land with his family. Peterson returned with his family in the spring of 1791 and a dispute arose over the ownership of the land.
The county court in Clarksville determined Peterson was owner of the land and granted him clear title.
Although Peterson was the first settler to find the cave, it retained the name of Dunbar, the first occupant of the land.
In the days before air conditioning, the cool atmosphere of the large cave was a natural attraction for local people, leading it to become a natural entertainment area. A resort was built at Dunbar Cave in 1901, and dances were held in the cave through the 1940s.
The dances were publicized in advance and featured the Big Bands of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Kay Kyser. Country entertainer Roy Acuff bought the cave property in 1948 and staged his Saturday Night Radio Dance Broadcast from the site.
Park Features
Special programs are conducted by the park staff on topics ranging from wildlife to wildflower identification, along with guided tours and slide shows. Check the program schedule for current programs.
The Visitors Center is a restored remnant of the area's early resort era and has been made accessible for people with disabilities.
The building once served as the bathhouse for an adjacent swimming pool, the footprint of which can still be seen outside. But today the building houses exhibits, displays and literature aimed at interpreting the geological and ecological significance of the cave and man's use of the cave through time.
The center also contains the park manager's office, restrooms and a water fountain. Picnic tables are behind the Visitors Center overlooking scenic Swan Lake.
The 15-acre lake is fed by the cold, clear waters from the cave, and it is a popular local fishing spot. Special fishing permits are not required, but all state fishing regulations must be observed.
Tours and Hiking
Guided cave tours are conducted Wednesday through Sunday from June through mid-August at 1 and 3 p.m. Groups are limited to 20 people per tour and reservations are required. The cave tours are offered on weekends during the spring and fall.
Tours cost $5 per person. Participants must be at least 3 years old and able to walk one to 1 1/2 miles without being carried. All participants should bring a flashlight equipped with fresh batteries. Some flashlights may be available for rent ($2) at the Visitor's Center. Photography is not allowed in the cave.
Cave explorers working for the state continue to probe remote sections of the cave system, and some rare creatures have been found, including crayfish, salamanders and the eyeless, unpigmented cave fish.
There are three well-maintained nature trails in the park that range from a leisurely walk to a strenuous hike. All trails begin and end at the Visitor's Center.
The Lake Trail is an easy two-thirds mile hike, while the Short Loop (one mile) is in the moderate category. The Recovery Trail is a 1.7-mile moderate hike.
We are planning a day at Dunbar Cave real soon and my family is so excited that Mom is actually going to take a day off and have some FUN!
Clarksville TN Ranks 10th in nation in growth
MARKETING A NEW IMAGE MAKEOVER GETS CREDIT FOR CLARKSVILLE, TN SUCCESS
More soldiers at Fort Campbell and a rising number of retirees moving a little closer to home have helped make Clarksville the nation's 10th-fastest-growing metropolitan area.
The four counties in Tennessee and Kentucky that surround Fort Campbell grew nearly 4 percent from 2006 to 2007 and have shown a steady population increase over the past seven years, according to U.S. Census figures released today.
The growth outpaced that of the Nashville metropolitan area, which includes the booming counties of Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson and Sumner. Nashville grew 2.34 percent, to rank 42nd.
Clarksville economic officials are using the numbers to their advantage as they try to diversify the job base by attracting more white-collar jobs.
"Places with government bases or a diverse economy, where it's not totally at the whim of one or two sectors that may have fallen out of favor for the time being," tend to thrive, even in an uncertain economy, said William Frey, a demographer with The Brookings Institution, an independent think tank in Washington.
Joining the Clarksville area in the top 10 are several other Southern cities, including Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; Austin, Texas; and New Orleans.
While Clarksville's place on the list may be surprising at first glance, a closer look at how the area has marketed itself and changed in recent years reveals the reason for its success, said James Chavez, president of the Clarksville Montgomery County Economic Development Council.
Local leaders continue working to change the perception of Clarksville as a strictly military town and as a city in the middle of nowhere.
The area is no farther from downtown Nashville than other surrounding cities.
"The perception when I moved here three and a half years ago was that we're predominantly military, predominantly blue-collar, but that's not the case," Chavez said. "Our economy has grown to a point that that's one facet of who we are, not who we are."
After a tornado ripped through the city seven years ago, city officials began to rebuild and refocus on attracting white-collar jobs and big corporations. A new $250 million Gateway Medical Center will open this summer, for example, bringing a significant number of jobs and specialties not present in the area before, Chavez said.
"We've got projects in the works, and if any one of them hits, it would bring a large scale of newcomers to our community," Chavez said.
After following growth trends, executives with Nashville-based Alley-Cassetty Companies Inc. decided to set up a brick supply office in Clarksville.
"It was a logical step," manager Jeff Jeries said. "They kept seeing growth up this way with the housing industry and Fort Campbell growth and wanted to be in a better position to capitalize."
FAMILIIES TEND TO STAY
The ebb and flow of military deployment has also benefited the area.
About 6,000 more soldiers are stationed at Fort Campbell, the headquarters of the Army's 101st Airborne Division, than in 2002, said Kelly Tyler, a post spokeswoman.
Fort Campbell is the third-largest army post in the country, behind North Carolina's Fort Bragg and Texas' Fort Hood. Recent numbers put Fort Campbell's total military population at 30,865, plus 16,546 family members on post. An additional 46,000 live off the post, Tyler said, and often decide to stay in the Clarksville area after their duty has ended.
"Clarksville, TN is so supportive of the installation that it becomes easier to stay a part of the community," Tyler said.
Most of those 46,000 have settled in Clarksville or other northern Tennessee communities, but city leaders in Hopkinsville, Ky., say they're also working to draw those families north to Christian County. Christian and Trigg counties in Kentucky are part of the Clarksville, TN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area, along the Montgomery and Stewart counties in Tennessee.
The share of soldiers and their families who have settled in the Hopkinsville area has risen to 18 percent over the past couple of years, said Mayor Dan Kemp. The city is now working to move a bill through the Kentucky legislature that would exempt active-duty military families from the state's income tax to attract more potential residents from the post.
HOME PRICES ARE LOWER
Also responsible for the spike in growth are retirees who have moved from the North in search of warmer climates and who are now fleeing high home prices and turbulent weather. Many have landed in the Clarksville area, where home prices are lower and a large city is nearby, Chavez said.
"It's been an up-and-down decade for home buying. It's been a continued move away from pricey coastal areas which has fueled a lot of movement into the Southeast," Frey said. That's one reason the Southeast has faired better than other regions during the recent real estate slump and credit crisis, he said. Contact an Experienced Realtor who can assist you in your home search.
Now, local leaders are trying to bring the necessary amenities to the area to match the rising population. Clarksville is underserved in retail, for example, and economic development leaders are scouting options in Nashville, Chavez said.
"The more alliances we make, the easier it becomes," Chavez said.
Article Compliments of The Tennessean
Clarksville, Tennessee Real Estate Is Strong!
Clarksville is a beautiful city in Northwest Middle Tennessee. I know you've heard of it, that is if you've been listening to the news lately. Of course, the media likes to paint the terrible picture of the housing markets, but Clarksville is one to brag about. Or at least I do. Just this week, Clarksville was on the news again! Did you know it's the 10th fastest growing city in the U.S. The entire United States of America, and Clarksville is number 10. Well, I want to take a moment and let you know what is contributing to this growth. And, to say thank you to everyone that reads this blog. Without you, we would not be here.
According to the MLS in 2006, Clarksville-Montgomery County had a record setting year.
Comparing 2006 to 2007.
Steady growth in Clarksville is also reflected in other categories, such as condominium, multi-family, land, and commercial sales, which are also all trending upwards. There are other contributing counties not reflected herein, for instance Stewart, Houston, parts of Robertson, & Cheatham Counties, and bordering counties in Kentucky. Numbers drawn from RealTracs Solutions (the local MLS) show these counties are growing, as well.
Others have taken notice of this growth.
A report from Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine projected Clarksville, Tennessee to have the largest increase in the nation, with a 6.4% gain through 2009. (Fivser, a provider of technology solutions to the financial world, was Kiplinger's source.) Other media, such as News Channel 5, The Tennessean, The Nashville Business Journal, and The Leaf Chronicle also picked up this report, as did every news media in the country. Including Fox News.
Why is Clarksville Growing? The Major Reason - Fort Campbell Army Post.
By
Clarksville-Montgomery County attributes a large part of its growth to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Fort Campbell is a major United States Army Post. The addess for the post is Kentucky, but the majority of the land mass of the post is in Clarksville, TN. The current population of the Post is approximately 30,000 soldiers, with 55,000 family members, and 4,000 civil service employees. Clarksville, TN is honored to be a part of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The Post is home to:
Fort Campbell is the largest employer in both Kentucky and Tennessee. Recognizing that approximately 75% of the real estate of the Post is located in Montgomery County, Tennessee.
Why is Clarksville Growing? Another Reason - Austin Peay State University.
Austin Peay State University (APSU) is another contributing force.
These decisions alone are a great tribute to any college town, when their alumni would choose to settle. As we say, "Let's Go Peay!"
Why is Clarksville Growing? More Reasons...
Retail. Clarksville has a thriving retail market, as well. There are three main arteries heading out of the centrally located downtown, Cumberland River district. Each area is completely self-contained, with retail, businesses, and housing.
Retirement Communities. Clarksville-Montgomery County is also an attractive city for retirees for several reasons. To start with, 75% of the continental United States can be reached in a days travel. Next, veteran retirees need to live within 40-miles of a military installation to take full advantage of benefits. Inadditon, Nashville is only 40-miles away.
Business & Economic Development. Clarksville-Montgomery County is a stable home for many international businesses. The Corporate Business Park is loaded with more than 20 major companies. The Industrial Development Board has designated approximately 3,000 acres for the business park adjacent to Interstate-24. Clarksville-Montgomery County is actively searching for new companies.
There are other well-deserved mentions for Clarksville-Montgomery County's growth.
Article compliments of Janie Masterson, Crye-Leike, Realtors Welcome to Clarksville, TN
 |
|
|
A Realtor where Southern Hospitality is ON THE HOUSE. If you need advice about selling your home, purchasing a home, or financing....You've come to the right place!
I have been in Real Estate for almost seven years now, and I love it. I could not imagine a more rewarding career. Helping others realize their dream is really what it's all about. I work smart for all of my clients, buyers and sellers. You won't find a better negotiator and I never meet a stranger!
I was born in Atlanta, GA, grew up in Birmingham, AL and worked for BellSouth most of my adult life. I left BellSouth to pursue a state of retirement in Brevard County, FL. Retirement was boring and I decided to do something that I had wanted to do for years.....go to Real Estate School. Since then, I have not stopped going to classes for Real Estate. I am constantly continuing my education and furthering my career. I moved to Clarksville, TN last year to be near my dauther and her family who is military. My son in law is stationed out of Ft. Campbell and has recently returned home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Through the years I have achieved unbelievable goals....Multi million dollar producer, GRI, CLHMS, CRS designations, but the most important to me is seeing the faces of my clients when I have been able to HELP THEM achieve their goals.
I am a single mother of a great 16 year old high school Junior. I have two grown daughters, four grand children who are just the most precious little babies on earth. Life just couldn't be any better!
I hold the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Designation from the National Association of Realtors. CLHMS Realtors actively seek out the latest information in marketing strategies. I stay on top of changing market conditions and I know how to handle the special needs of an elite clientele and their exceptional properties.
I hold the Graduate Realtor Institute Designation also from the National Association of Realtors. GRI Realtors are said to hold the MBA of Real Estate.
GRIs are:A GRI can make a difference
When you see the letters "GRI" after an agent's name, you can count on receiving the knowledge and guidance you need to make your transaction go smoothly. In short, you can count on getting the best service available from a real estate professional.
Don't you deserve the best?
"Janie is a very committed, dedicated, knowledgeable, service oriented, high standards, informed, responsive, and very attentive to details. These quality have propelled Janie as a top producer many times over, she know how to bring transaction to a pleasant closing. I would be bless with the opportunity to work with here in the future." April 14, 2008
Earl Braxton, Owner/Manager, ABA Real Estate & A Plus Mgt Solution
"Janie, while working full time in the competitive real estate market here on the Space Coast of Florida, never stopped adding to her expertise in real estate and mortgage transactions. She was constantly updating her certifications and picking up new ones to improve the service she offered to her clientele. For me, that effort spells volumes about the kind of service you'll receive if you engage Ms. Masterson to work for YOU." April 14, 2008
Dan Faherty, Partner, Trial Lawyer, Cianfrogna, et. al
was with another company when working with Janie at Crye-Leike Realtors
"Janie was awesome to work with. She was always punctual & quick to get any information that we needed for her closing. I would definitely recommend her as realtor to use to any of my friends." April 11, 2008
Joshua Neighbours, Pre-Closing Coordinator, Realty Title & Escrow Corporation
was a consultant or contractor to Janie at Crye-Leike Realtors
"We are happy to have Janie as a sales associate at Crye-Leike, Realtors. In addition to her sales experience and extensive training, she is proficient in Crye-Leike's many customer oriented services. Her portfolio of personal and professional skills make her a top notch associate." April 11, 2008
Jason Murphy, Administrative Manager, Crye-Leike, Realtors
managed Janie indirectly at Crye-Leike Realtors
"My husband and I hired Janie to sell our house when we were in the process of moving. However, we did not realize how she would affect our lives. She made the process easy and effortless. She explained every step of the way and gave us pointers on areas of our house that would help the sell. She is very personable and a go-getter. We not only sold our house in a speedy manner but we gained a lifetime friend." April 11, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
"My husband and I hired Janie to sell our house when we were in the process of moving. However, we did not realize how she would affect our lives. She made the process easy and effortless. She explained every step of the way and gave us pointers on areas of our house that would help the sell. She is very personable and a go-getter. We not only sold our house in a speedy manner but we gained a lifetime friend." April 11, 2008
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
Kenna Moceri
hired Janie as a Real Estate Agent in 2005
Janie was the most thorough Real Estate Agent we've ever worked with, and we've worked with plenty. She did everything she said she was going to do, and with a big smile on her face. She's wonderful, and I'll use her again if I ever need to.
Selling our home was a hard thing for us because we loved it so much. Janie made our transition so much smoother by walking us through all the process. She was there every step of the way. She even brought Kleenex to the Closing cause she knew I was going to cry.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
