Long before the dawn of written history, humans inhabited the lands along the Cumberland and Red Rivers. Clarksville, the only station to become a city, was established in 1784 near the confluence of the two rivers.

The town was named for General George Rogers Clark, Indian fighter and Revolutionary War leader. In December 1785, North Carolina established Clarksville as a town. Despite frequent Indian attacks, the town survived and prospered.

In 1796 when Tennessee became the 16th state, Tennessee County, of which Clarksville was a part, was divided into Montgomery and Robertson Counties. The name Montgomery honored John Montgomery, who was a founder of Clarksville, as well as a renowned Indian fighter and Revolutionary War leader.

The early years of the 1800's were progressive ones, chiefly devoted to the building of roads, railroads and bridges, and the establishment of churches and educational institutions. When the Civil War began in the 1860's, the residents were forced to make a momentous decision concerning the loyalty of the Union. In June 1861, Montgomery County citizens cast 2631 votes for separation and 33 against. Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, and Fort Defiance were established in preparation of the Union advance, only to fall to Federal troops in 1862.

After the Civil War, traffic on the Cumberland River continued to be of great importance to the community and Clarksville became well known for its production of dark fired tobacco, its primary money crop. From 1900 to 1940, Clarksville's trade and business progressed with the growth of the town being closely connected to the county farming area.

Education became an important theme in the county with the establishment of the Rural Academy in 1806 on the present site of Austin Peay State University.

Military activity again would impact the county during World War II when the army established Camp Campbell in Montgomery County. Over 42,000 acres were purchased and in June 1942, relocation of facilities was completed. The post was named in honor of General William Bowen Campbell. On April 15, 1950, the post became Fort Campbell when it changed from a temporary installation to a permanent one.

During the 20th Century, Montgomery County has profited from communication and mechanical technology with a growth in population and industrial expansion. No longer dependent upon an agriculture base, the county has become an important transport, industrial, retail, and professional center with numerous recreational facilities.

Today, Clarksville, county seat of Montgomery County, is Tennessee's fifth largest, and third fastest growing city, behind only Nashville and Memphis.

Clarksville Sites of Interest

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Dunbar Cave

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area is open every day from 8 a.m. until sunset. Periodic programs are conducted by the park staff, along with guided tours of the cave and slide shows. The park also offers picnic tables, hiking trails, and fishing.

Address: 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd. Clarksville, TN Phone: 931-648-5526 Hours: Park: Daily 8 a.m. until sunset Visitors' Center: Daily 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: $4 per person. Reservations recommended. Time: 1 hour Customs House Museum & Cultural Center Built in 1898 as a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is among the most photographed buildings in Tennessee. The State's second largest general history museum, the Museum features rotating shows, fine art galleries, and a sculpture garden, along with permanent exhibits, and the Explorer's Floor--a special area for the entire family to solve puzzles and play games. Address: 200 S. 2nd St. Clarksville, TN 37040 Phone: (931) 648-5780 Fax: (931) 553-5179 Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 1pm-5pm, Closed Mon. Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $3, Students $1, Ages 6 & under Free, Groups 1/2 off general admission Time: 1 hour Smith-Trahern Mansion Built in 1858 by wealthy tobacconist Christopher Smith, this masterpiece overlooks the Cumberland River. Constructed during the troubled Pre-Civil War era, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which were so popular at that time. The home boasts grand hallways, an exquisite curved staircase, and a "widow's walk" on the roof. In March 1988, that Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 1st & McClure Streets P.O. Box 852 Clarksville, TN 37041 Phone: (931) 648-9998 Hours: Weekdays, 9:30am-2:30pm, Evenings and weekends by appointment. Admission: $1 Time: 45 min. Roxy Regional Theatre The Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville's oldest professional theatre, offers patrons a combination of professional company shows (performed by actors from throughout the country) and community offerings. Housed in a 1947 odern-art theatre, the Roxy produces 10 mainstage events annually. The Roxy's "Other Space" produces four new scripts a year in it's 40-seat black-box theatre. Contact Name: John McDonald Address: 100 Franklin Street Clarksville, TN 37040 Fax: (931) 645-7699 Hours: Call for Schedule of Performances Admission: $5-$12 Time: 2 hours L & N Train Station Built in 1890, the L & N Train Station was the scene for the Monkees' hit, Last Train to Clarksville. Once one of the busiest locations in Clarksville with soldiers and civilians arriving and departing daily, the facility is now open for public and private use. Address: Commerce and 10th Streets P.O. Box 262 Clarksville, TN 37041 Phone: (931) 553-2486 Hours: Tues., Thurs., & Sat., 9am-1pm, Admission: $1 Time: 15 min. Beachaven Vineyards & Winery Enjoy free tours and tastings at one of Tennessee's foremost commercial wineries. Known for producing award-winning wines and champagnes, Beachaven provides a glimpse into the centuries-old art of wine making. A picturesque Tudor-style building, on-site vineyards, distinctive gift items, and a shaded picnic area make Beachaven a delightful and memorable destination. Contact Name: Louisa Cooke Address: 1100 Dunlop Lane Clarksville, TN 37040 Phone: (931) 645-8867 Hours: May-Sept, Mon.-Sat., 9am-7pm, Sun., Noon-7pm, Oct.-Apr., Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sun., Noon-5pm Time: 1 hour Downtown Walk/Drive Tour See the best of historic downtown Clarksville in the 2.2-mile, self-guided walking tour. Among the tour's 34 stops are "Bursting with Pride" a mural display of Clarksville's historic architecture. The 17-mile driving tour showcases 52 historically significant sites. Brochure maps are available at the Customs House Museum, Cumberland RiverCenter, and I-24 Visitor Center. Starting point is the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. Address: Customs House Museum & Cultural Center 200 South Second Street Phone: 931-648-5780 Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours Cumberland RiverWalk Stroll the meandering Cumberland RiverWalk, the city's signature riverfront promenade. The internationally acclaimed RiverWalk is the centerpiece of the River Distict and includes an amphitheater, overlook plazas, a playground, picnic facilities, wharf, boat ramp, pedestrian overpass, and performance stages. Contact Name: Parks & Recreation Department Address: McGregor Park, Riverside Dr. P.O. Box 602 Clarksville, TN 37041 Phone: (931) 645-7476 Fax: (931) 553-2432 Time: 30 min. Public Square/Eternal Flame This charming collection of buildings served as the center of Clarksville’s government until 2001. The facade of the old City Hall building was constructed in 1914, although the building itself is much older. Erected in the median in 2004 is an Eternal Flame, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers and their families for our freedom. Contact Name: Mayor's Office Address: Between Franklin and Main Streets - Downtown Phone: (931) 645-7444 Fax: (931) 552-7479 Admission: Free Marbel Larson Gallery The Mabel Larson Gallery is housed in Harned Hall on the Campus of Austin Peay State University. Exhibited are selections from the University's permanent art collection. Address: Austin Peay State University's Harned Hall 601 College Street Clarksville, TN 37044 Phone: (931) 221-7333 Hours: 8am-4:30pm, Mon.-Fri. Admission: Free Time: 1 hour Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum Located within Ft. Campbell, this museum traces the history of the Screaming Eagles from World War II engagements to Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm. Just outside the museum, various aircraft, military equipment, and monuments are on display. The post is currently closed to the general public for security purposes. Address: Tennessee Avenue Bldg 5702 Fort Campbell, KY 42223 Phone: (270) 798-3215 Hours: Mon-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm except Christmas & New Years Admission: Free Time: 1 hour Clarksville Speedway 1/8 Mile Drag Races for bracket cars, streetcars and motorcycles. Address: 1600 Needmore Road Clarksville, TN 37042 Phone: (931) 645-2523 Hours: Saturday Night 7:30 p.m. April - October Admission: $12 for single event ($25 in the pit) and $267 for season passes ($650 pit) Time: 2 hours Historic Collinsville A living-history museum featuring 15 restored log homes and outbuildings, Historic Collinsville is situated on 40 rolling acres with picnic areas and walking trails. Structures date from 1830 to 1870. All structures include authentic furnishings. Contact Name: Jo Ann Weakley Address: 4711 Weakley Road Southside, TN 37171 Phone: (931) 648-9141 Fax: (931) 648-9831 Hours: May 16-Oct. 15, Thurs.-Sun., 1-5pm, Other dates with appt. Admission: $4; Children under 5 free (with paying adult). Special event $5. Time: 2 hours/30 minute drive Historic Downtown At virtually every turn, visitors to the downtown district are greeted by structures of historical significance and beauty. The area represents one of Tennessee's best collections of 1870s period architecture. Restaurants, antique shops, boutiques, and night spots are sprinkled throughout the district. Contact Name: Pick up your Walk Clarksville brochure at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center Phone: (931) 648-5780 Hours: Self-guided Admission: Free Time: 1-2 hours