Clarksville Connections
Clarksville Connections is an ongoing project to share the stories of historically significant people who have a Clarksville connection. We invite your input. Please email your information and ideas to michelle@visitclarksvilletn.com.
Medicine and Science
Dr. Robert Burt
Surgeon
1873-1955
After graduating with honors from Nashville's Meharry Medical College in 1897, Robert Burt relocated to Clarksville in 1904 and set up a medical practice. Two years later, Burt opened Clarksville’s first hospital: The Home Infirmary. The facility served all people and was Clarksville’s first and only hospital for 10 years. The Home Infirmary was recognized by the National Medical Association and operated for 40 years. Dr. Burt remained an active civic leader and education proponent in Clarksville until his death in 1955.
Ida Gray Nelson Rollins
First Female African American Dentist
1867-1953
Ida Gray Nelson Rollins was born in Clarksville on March 4, 1867. Her mother, Jennie Gray, was a black woman, and her father was a white man to whom Jennie was not married. Ida’s achievements are a testimony to perseverance, determination and diligence. Though she was raised by a woman who was unable to read or write, Ida overcame her environment, becoming the first female African American dentist in the United States.
MORE CONNECTIONS
Athletics
Clarksvillians have blazed trails and set world records -- even Olympic records -- for decades. Read about the original...
Business
Inventors, pioneers, revolutionaries. Read about some of our noteworthy contributions to the field of business.
Celebrities
Being the home of Fort Campbell Army Post (Air Assault) gives Clarksville connections to a host of celebrities in the...
Government
A Revolutionary War hero, governors, and top federal officials who redefined education and the postal service are a few...
Literature & Journalism
Acclaimed authors and poets hail from Clarksville while others made their home here for a time. Read about U.S. Poet...
Performing & Visual Arts
Clarksville's most famous native actor, Frank Sutton from "Gomer Pyle: USMC", stands memorialized in bronze along...