A familiar sight along Clarksville’s riverfront is looking better than it has in years. The Lewis and Clark “Handshake” statue, one of the community’s most iconic landmarks, was recently cleaned and restored to its original bronze shine. The statue, which was dedicated in 2003, marks the historic meeting of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark at the Falls of the Ohio. For more than two decades, it has stood as a symbol of exploration, partnership, and the important role our region played in the journey west. But after years of exposure to the elements, the statue had darkened, and many of its details had become harder to see. Now, thanks to the careful work of preservation professionals, the sculpture has been cleaned and brought back to life. Visitors can once again appreciate the detail in the figures and the natural beauty of the bronze, which now gleams in the sunlight just as it did when it was first unveiled. Whether you’ve passed it a hundred times or are seeing it for the first time, this is the perfect moment to stop by, take a closer look, and reflect on the history that began right here in Clarksville.