Area Information

Settlers first came to the Clifton area in the early 1800’s. Many current residents can still trace their ancestry back to King Prater, who legend says was the first non-Indian child born in Wayne County after it was organized in 1818.

Clifton entered its first golden age in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Those were the days when the steamboat was king, and Clifton was an important river port. During that era railroads were being built all across America and the countless crossties cut from the vast timber resources of this area were shipped from Clifton.

Money poured into Clifton as it never had before. Many of the old homes and buildings in town date from that prosperous era. During those years Clifton developed a rowdy reputation that remained with the town for decades to come. On Saturday nights Clifton was apparently a lively place. Old stories linger that Main Street once was lined with several drinking establishments. Fights were common and murders were not uncommon. These days Cliftonians tend to be a peaceful group and the crime rate is very low.

The “Roaring Twenties” were not so good for Clifton. As America became more prosperous and cars and trucks became more common, the river landing at Clifton became less important to the world at large. The major roads and highways were all built elsewhere and Clifton entered a long period of gradual decline.

In the 1930’s Clifton, like the rest of the world, struggled to survive the Great Depression. Yet it was during those dark years that our most celebrated resident achieved his greatest triumph. In 1933 Clifton’s own T.S. Stribling won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature with The Store. Today Mr. Stribling’s home on Water Street serves as a library and museum.

The 1980’s saw the beginning of Clifton’s rebirth. In the early 1980’s the State of Tennessee built a new prison facility at the edge of town. Although some much needed jobs were provided, it took a few more years for Clifton to get back on track. The state built a second and much larger facility with more jobs in the early 1990’s. In the following years the state built new highways running in several directions and a bridge crossing the river a few miles above town. The outside world finally gained good access to Clifton!

Clifton has been transformed over the last decade. Citizens and guests alike have a new appreciation for our town. The natural beauty of our riverside location provides a powerful draw for visitors and new residents. A number of new businesses providing fresh job opportunities have moved into Clifton and surrounding areas.

Clifton’s Main Street ends where the town began – on the riverbank. The historic buildings along Main Street look great these days. Attractive street lamps and cobblestone walkways working together in peaceful harmony gently lead you to the quiet banks of the Tennessee River. Gentle hills with mountain backdrops draped in wild flowers and hundred year old oak trees line the banks of the Tennessee River. With breathtaking views of big open water, endless in majesty, nature abounds everywhere and offers something for everyone!

Tennessee has long been famed for its pioneers and widely recognized by visitors for its scenic beauty. Now the Volunteer State is again living up to its reputation for trailblazing with the creation of five spectacular golf courses designed by America’s golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus. The Bear Trace at Ross Creek Landing State Park is the fifth in a series of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses and rated #1 in the state of Tennessee Ross Creek Landing State Park is located in the rolling countryside of Clifton Tennessee along the banks of the Tennessee River.

The Bear Trace is a par 72 course that measures more than 7000 yards from the back trees. Don’t be intimidated though, there are five sets of tees on every hole to allow golfers of all abilities to enjoy this course. During the construction and design of this course, Jack made some adjustments to shorten two of the par fives so that the golfer may have the opportunity to reach the green in two shots. He also designed the fourth hole into a ‘drivable’ par 4 that offers a variety of “go for it” and “lay up” options.

The course offers a variety of wooded and meadow golf holes. Oak, Hickory, Hackberry, Cedar and even some Cypress line the fairways. Marshes and ponds have been created to benefit the environment and provide strategy on some of the holes. During the construction of the course, special efforts were made to preserve stream corridors and existing woods and meadows. New grades for the golf course were carefully tied into these existing features so that it appears that the course has always been here.

Peaceful serenity, abundant vacationing, rest and relaxation are only minutes away! Hassell Airstrip, located near the golf course is now being expanded offering more ways for everyone to enjoy easy access to peaceful vacationing. Hassell Field Airport boast a paved runway of 4600 feet. The facility is at an elevation of 401 feet and at a distance of about 1 mile from Clifton. The airport has fuel available and is attended daily. Best of all Hassell Field is located within walking distance to the Bear Trace golf course!

Most recently the airport authority has received a 2,000,000.00 dollar grant from the state for improvements and upgrades. Slated for improvement are hills to be acquired and runways and hills to be lit. Additional security upgrades are being added and the existing runway will be expanded from 4600 to 5000 feet and improved to concrete vs asphalt. This will allow full use for corporate jet aircraft. Plans are slated for the design to be completed by the end of 2005 and operational by early Spring 2006.

Riverstone Marina is a beautiful new marina located only 5 miles from the Bear Trace Signature golf course. Riverstone Marina features 30’, 50’ and 60’ boat slips, fuel dock, store, restaurant, two boat ramps and coming soon a private club!

Don’t have a boat? Riverside Marina offers boat rental and cottage rentals! Enjoy boating, fishing, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing/wave runner and more! Harbor your boat year round or simply come for the day!

Clifton is not short on educational opportunities. Frank Hughes School is a K-12 school located at 414 Main St. The school has been enlarged with new classrooms and a spacious new gym. Columbia State Community College now has a beautiful campus located at 795 Main St. The city has also developed new ball fields for our young people and plans are already in the works to improve recreational facilities along the river.

Ideally located between Nashville and Memphis, Clifton is barely over an hour away from both cities offering an easy commute for travelers from many destinations. From Clifton you are just minutes away from Savannah Tennessee, home to one of country music’s greatest artist – Darryl Worley. Other close attractions are – Pickwick Landing State Resort Park, Pickwick Lake, Shiloh National Military Park and the famous Buford Pusser Home and Museum – to name a few. Clifton is also home to the annual River Bend Festival that takes place the 2nd weekend in September attracting thousands of visitors.

With the dawn of the new millennium, Clifton has entered a new “golden age”.

We would like to thank the City of Clifton for the information provided and Mr. John Templeton for providing the account of the history of Clifton. To visit the city web site please go to – www.cityofclifton.com

Home  ♦  Homes for Sale  ♦   Lots for Sale  ♦ Area Information  ♦  Area Photos ♦  Contact Us  ♦  Site Map