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Forged in Fire Sculpture

100 North Spring Street, Clarksville, TN 37040

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Clarksville’s Parks and Recreation Department unveiled Forged in Fire along the Upland Trail on South Spring Street in 2015.

During a violent storm in 1978, multiple fires broke out in Clarksville, with one hitting Orgain Building Supply. Its blaze warped a steel rack into a twisted shape that ultimately became this sculpture. When the company rebuilt, it placed the sculpture – entitled Forged in Fire – in front of its new building as a nod to the mythical phoenix that rises, reborn, from the ashes.

A renewal of the sculpture began in 2014 and after Orgain donated it to the city, students from Montgomery Central High School refashioned the piece. Edges were smoothed, 80 pounds were trimmed off, and it was painted with an industrial enamel called Safety Red.

The base was then filled with missives from area students that included their hopes and dreams. The sculpture also stands as a memorial to students whose lives were cut short and who didn’t get to pursue their hopes and dreams.

This project was made possible by the following: Arts & Heritage Development Council, Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, the City of Clarksville and the Public Arts Commission.