 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Clarksville's History
The Wells Creek Crater
large meteor came hurtling through the darkness of
outer space heading for a direct impact with planet
Earth at the confluence of what would later be known
as Houston, Stewart and Montgomery counties of
Tennessee. The meteorite was nearly 1,000 ft in
diameter, weighed more than 100 million tons and was traveling in excess of 36,000 mph when it hit the
Earth, exploding with the force of a 1,000 megaton bomb. The resulting impact crater was 2,000 feet deep
and nearly 8 miles across. The huge hole in the Earth’s surface is now called Wells Creek Crater, and is one
of the most studied impact craters in the world. It ranks as the ninth largest impact crater in the United States
outer space heading for a direct impact with planet
Earth at the confluence of what would later be known
as Houston, Stewart and Montgomery counties of
Tennessee. The meteorite was nearly 1,000 ft in
diameter, weighed more than 100 million tons and was traveling in excess of 36,000 mph when it hit the
Earth, exploding with the force of a 1,000 megaton bomb. The resulting impact crater was 2,000 feet deep
and nearly 8 miles across. The huge hole in the Earth’s surface is now called Wells Creek Crater, and is one
of the most studied impact craters in the world. It ranks as the ninth largest impact crater in the United States
American Indians and Dunbar Cave
A life-size statue of John Montgomery stands in Public Square, overlooking a vast area he once explored.
Montgomery, who came here 231 years ago is the namesake of the county and is often credited with
founding Clarksville. But of course, white settlers are the newcomers. In what we now call Montgomery
County, signs have been found of Ice Age hunters passing through, and bands of nomads wandered our area
about 5200 B.C., according to evidence from the banks of the Cumberland and Red rivers. As long ago as
1500 B.C., American Indians roamed the surrounding forests in search of game. In around 500 A.D., a people
now known only as the “mound builders” inhabited this area. But the big news for Clarksville historians is the
recent discovery that some American Indians left their mark in Dunbar Cave as early as 1,000 years ago. In
January 2005, a group studying cave graffiti from the 1800s happened across markings much older than
they expected, dating to between 1100 and 1360. The pre-Columbian pictographs found closest to the cave
mouth show religious symbols depicting a connection between the upper world and lower world, including
concentric circles, stars , the sun, the moon, the cross and the swastika, which is one of the world’s most ancient
symbols. One drawing depicts an anthropomorph, a Mississippian supernatural rising from his head and
claws. The images can be seen today in public tours of Dunbar Cave.
Montgomery, who came here 231 years ago is the namesake of the county and is often credited with
founding Clarksville. But of course, white settlers are the newcomers. In what we now call Montgomery
County, signs have been found of Ice Age hunters passing through, and bands of nomads wandered our area
about 5200 B.C., according to evidence from the banks of the Cumberland and Red rivers. As long ago as
1500 B.C., American Indians roamed the surrounding forests in search of game. In around 500 A.D., a people
now known only as the “mound builders” inhabited this area. But the big news for Clarksville historians is the
recent discovery that some American Indians left their mark in Dunbar Cave as early as 1,000 years ago. In
January 2005, a group studying cave graffiti from the 1800s happened across markings much older than
they expected, dating to between 1100 and 1360. The pre-Columbian pictographs found closest to the cave
mouth show religious symbols depicting a connection between the upper world and lower world, including
concentric circles, stars , the sun, the moon, the cross and the swastika, which is one of the world’s most ancient
symbols. One drawing depicts an anthropomorph, a Mississippian supernatural rising from his head and
claws. The images can be seen today in public tours of Dunbar Cave.
Western Exporation
As early as 1714, French traders had established a trading post in what is present-day Nashville, then called
French Lick. The name comes from animals licking minerals from nearby springs. In 1768, Thomas Hutchins
Paint Hill, a rock bluff at the confluence of the Red and Cumberland rivers. Less than 10 years after Hutchins’
Paint Hill, a rock bluff at the confluence of the Red and Cumberland rivers. Less than 10 years after Hutchins’
survey, in 1775, John Montgomery and Kaspar Mansker journeyed the area. And that same year, Richard
survey, in 1775, John Montgomery and Kaspar Mansker journeyed the area. And that same year, Richard
Henderson, a North Carolina land speculator, purchased the land between the Ohio and Cumberland rivers
from a Cherokee tribe for horses, guns and liquor. However, Chickasaw, Creek, Iroquois and Shawnee tribes
also claimed parts of the territory and were not included in the sale negotiations. In 1779, James Robertson,
sometimes called the father of Middle Tennessee, brought a group from upper East Tennessee to the area via
Daniel Boone’s “Wilderness Road” to Cumberland Gap. In 1793, he bought 640 acres near Cumberland
Furnace to build an iron plantation. In 1780, at Red Paint Hill, Moses Renfroe split off from a group of flat
boats led by John Donelson that were bound for a settlement that later became Nashville. Renfroe, along
with his family and other relatives, journeyed up the Red River near the mouth of Parson’s Creek, where they
came ashore to begin a new life. An Indian attack during the summer drove the early settlers away. Conflicts
with the land’s natives remained a problem for the settlers, and in 1794, Montgomery led an attack on two
Creek Indian settlements as a pre-emptive strike, since it was believed the Creek were planning attacks on
Cumberland settlements. He was killed later that year by Indians while hunting in Kentucky.
French Lick. The name comes from animals licking minerals from nearby springs. In 1768, Thomas Hutchins
Paint Hill, a rock bluff at the confluence of the Red and Cumberland rivers. Less than 10 years after Hutchins’
Paint Hill, a rock bluff at the confluence of the Red and Cumberland rivers. Less than 10 years after Hutchins’
survey, in 1775, John Montgomery and Kaspar Mansker journeyed the area. And that same year, Richard
survey, in 1775, John Montgomery and Kaspar Mansker journeyed the area. And that same year, Richard
Henderson, a North Carolina land speculator, purchased the land between the Ohio and Cumberland rivers
from a Cherokee tribe for horses, guns and liquor. However, Chickasaw, Creek, Iroquois and Shawnee tribes
also claimed parts of the territory and were not included in the sale negotiations. In 1779, James Robertson,
sometimes called the father of Middle Tennessee, brought a group from upper East Tennessee to the area via
Daniel Boone’s “Wilderness Road” to Cumberland Gap. In 1793, he bought 640 acres near Cumberland
Furnace to build an iron plantation. In 1780, at Red Paint Hill, Moses Renfroe split off from a group of flat
boats led by John Donelson that were bound for a settlement that later became Nashville. Renfroe, along
with his family and other relatives, journeyed up the Red River near the mouth of Parson’s Creek, where they
came ashore to begin a new life. An Indian attack during the summer drove the early settlers away. Conflicts
with the land’s natives remained a problem for the settlers, and in 1794, Montgomery led an attack on two
Creek Indian settlements as a pre-emptive strike, since it was believed the Creek were planning attacks on
Cumberland settlements. He was killed later that year by Indians while hunting in Kentucky.
Building a Town
Clarksville’s origins as a city date to January 16, 1784, when John Armstrong filed notice with the North
Carolina Legislature of a proposed town. At the time, North Carolina stretched far west of its current state
Legislature on Dec. 29, 1985. Lots, however, had been sold prior to the application being filed. In planning
the town, Armstrong laid out 12 four-acre squares. The site’s high ground provided protection against
flooding. The north-south streets beginning at the Cumberland River were named Water, Spring, First, Second
and Third streets. The east-west streets, beginning at the south side, were named Commerce, Main, Franklin,
Washington and Jefferson. Washington Street was later renamed College Street.
A little more than 11 years after Clarksville’s founding, in 1796, Tennessee gained its statehood. Clarksville
was located in Tennessee County, which was later split and renamed Montgomery and Robertson counties to
honor the two men who helped open the region for settlement. During this period, the region’s agriculture and
trade flourished. Tobacco, cotton and corn were exported on the river to ports in New Orleans and
Pittsburgh. Four main dirt roads led to and from town – two heading to Nashville, Kentucky Road crossing the
Red River via ferry, and Russellville Road. By 1819 there were 22 stores in town including a bakery and
silversmith.Clarksville’s origins as a city date to January 16, 1784, when John Armstrong filed notice with the
North Carolina Legislature of a proposed town. At the time, North Carolina stretched far west of its current
state lines. After an official survey by James Sanders, the town of Clarksville was founded by the North
Carolina Legislature on Dec. 29, 1985. Lots, however, had been sold prior to the application being filed. In
planning the town, Armstrong laid out 12 four-acre squares. The site’s high ground provided protection
against flooding. The north-south streets beginning at the Cumberland River were named Water, Spring, First,
Second and Third streets. The east-west streets, beginning at the south side, were named Commerce, Main,
Franklin, Washington and Jefferson. Washington Street was later renamed College Street.
A little more than 11 years after Clarksville’s founding, in 1796, Tennessee gained its statehood. Clarksville
was located in Tennessee County, which was later split and renamed Montgomery and Robertson counties to
honor the two men who helped open the region for settlement. During this period, the region’s agriculture and
trade flourished. Tobacco, cotton and corn were exported on the river to ports in New Orleans and
Pittsburgh. Four main dirt roads led to and from town – two heading to Nashville, Kentucky Road crossing the
Red River via ferry, and Russellville Road. By 1819 there were 22 stores in town including a bakery and
silversmith.
Carolina Legislature of a proposed town. At the time, North Carolina stretched far west of its current state
Legislature on Dec. 29, 1985. Lots, however, had been sold prior to the application being filed. In planning
the town, Armstrong laid out 12 four-acre squares. The site’s high ground provided protection against
flooding. The north-south streets beginning at the Cumberland River were named Water, Spring, First, Second
and Third streets. The east-west streets, beginning at the south side, were named Commerce, Main, Franklin,
Washington and Jefferson. Washington Street was later renamed College Street.
A little more than 11 years after Clarksville’s founding, in 1796, Tennessee gained its statehood. Clarksville
was located in Tennessee County, which was later split and renamed Montgomery and Robertson counties to
honor the two men who helped open the region for settlement. During this period, the region’s agriculture and
trade flourished. Tobacco, cotton and corn were exported on the river to ports in New Orleans and
Pittsburgh. Four main dirt roads led to and from town – two heading to Nashville, Kentucky Road crossing the
Red River via ferry, and Russellville Road. By 1819 there were 22 stores in town including a bakery and
silversmith.Clarksville’s origins as a city date to January 16, 1784, when John Armstrong filed notice with the
North Carolina Legislature of a proposed town. At the time, North Carolina stretched far west of its current
state lines. After an official survey by James Sanders, the town of Clarksville was founded by the North
Carolina Legislature on Dec. 29, 1985. Lots, however, had been sold prior to the application being filed. In
planning the town, Armstrong laid out 12 four-acre squares. The site’s high ground provided protection
against flooding. The north-south streets beginning at the Cumberland River were named Water, Spring, First,
Second and Third streets. The east-west streets, beginning at the south side, were named Commerce, Main,
Franklin, Washington and Jefferson. Washington Street was later renamed College Street.
A little more than 11 years after Clarksville’s founding, in 1796, Tennessee gained its statehood. Clarksville
was located in Tennessee County, which was later split and renamed Montgomery and Robertson counties to
honor the two men who helped open the region for settlement. During this period, the region’s agriculture and
trade flourished. Tobacco, cotton and corn were exported on the river to ports in New Orleans and
Pittsburgh. Four main dirt roads led to and from town – two heading to Nashville, Kentucky Road crossing the
Red River via ferry, and Russellville Road. By 1819 there were 22 stores in town including a bakery and
silversmith.
County Courthouse
James Adams built the country’s first courthouse – out of logs – in 1796 at
present-day Washington Street and Riverside Dr. A second courthouse was
built in 1805, and a year later the Tennessee Legislature ordered that a
third courthouse be built. Henry Small provided the county with the land
for the third one. In 1811, the fourth courthouse – the first to be made of
brick – was built on the east half of Public Square. Martin Armstrong
donated land for the building. In 1843, a courthouse was built in the north
side of Franklin Street. It, along with 15 acres of the downtown business
district, was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1878, on April 13. The
corner-stone of the current courthouse, between Second and Third Streets,
was laid on May 16, 1879. The building was designed by George W.
Bunting of Indianapolis. Five years later, the first of several disasters
struck the building when a tornado touched down and damaged the roof.
The building was rebuilt. A fire on March 12, 1900, gutted the courthouse’s upper floors and destroyed the
clock tower. Afterwards, many citizens wanted to tear the edifice down and replace it with a safer, more
modern structure. Judge C.W. Tyler refused, and the courthouse was repaired using insurance proceeds.
Almost a century later, on Jan. 22, 1999, the courthouse was once again severely damaged in a tornado.
Like they had in 1900, county officials grappled with what should be done about the building. As they did in
1900, they decided to rebuild the courthouse and maintain its 1879 design. On Jan. 22, 2003, the building
was rededicated as a county office building. A new Courts Center was built behind the historic building to
serve the county’s growing judicial needs.
present-day Washington Street and Riverside Dr. A second courthouse was
built in 1805, and a year later the Tennessee Legislature ordered that a
third courthouse be built. Henry Small provided the county with the land
for the third one. In 1811, the fourth courthouse – the first to be made of
brick – was built on the east half of Public Square. Martin Armstrong
donated land for the building. In 1843, a courthouse was built in the north
side of Franklin Street. It, along with 15 acres of the downtown business
district, was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1878, on April 13. The
corner-stone of the current courthouse, between Second and Third Streets,
was laid on May 16, 1879. The building was designed by George W.
Bunting of Indianapolis. Five years later, the first of several disasters
struck the building when a tornado touched down and damaged the roof.
The building was rebuilt. A fire on March 12, 1900, gutted the courthouse’s upper floors and destroyed the
clock tower. Afterwards, many citizens wanted to tear the edifice down and replace it with a safer, more
modern structure. Judge C.W. Tyler refused, and the courthouse was repaired using insurance proceeds.
Almost a century later, on Jan. 22, 1999, the courthouse was once again severely damaged in a tornado.
Like they had in 1900, county officials grappled with what should be done about the building. As they did in
1900, they decided to rebuild the courthouse and maintain its 1879 design. On Jan. 22, 2003, the building
was rededicated as a county office building. A new Courts Center was built behind the historic building to
serve the county’s growing judicial needs.
Start the Presses!
The first newspaper in Clarksville, and in the state of Tennessee, was The Clarksville Chronicle. It began
publication in 1808, though no editions now exist prior to 1811. Later, a second newspaper called The
Tobacco Leaf appeared, sparked by the area’s growing reputation as a hub of tobacco growing and
shipping. The early newspapers were basic four-page journals devoted to political news and advertising. As
these papers grew and developed, they became more complete publications, featuring more news and
community information. Political views also found their way into the journals’ pages. In 1890, The Clarksville
Chronicle and The Tobacco Leaf merged, forming The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle as the newspaper’s coverage
area grew. “The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle and its forerunners were continuously well aware of their
responsibilities regarding community leadership,” Lewis Hyatt wrote in his 1958 doctoral dissertation
commemorating the newspaper’s 150th anniversary. “They were ever ready to complain about the community
needs and suggest improvements for Clarksville and Montgomery County,” he continued. “They were also
ready to compliment and praise those things that had been accomplished in the community.” The city also had
a black newspaper, The New Herald, from 1935 to 1938. Two other now-defunct newspapers, The
Clarksville Jeffersonian and The Clarksville Star, were also published here.
publication in 1808, though no editions now exist prior to 1811. Later, a second newspaper called The
Tobacco Leaf appeared, sparked by the area’s growing reputation as a hub of tobacco growing and
shipping. The early newspapers were basic four-page journals devoted to political news and advertising. As
these papers grew and developed, they became more complete publications, featuring more news and
community information. Political views also found their way into the journals’ pages. In 1890, The Clarksville
Chronicle and The Tobacco Leaf merged, forming The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle as the newspaper’s coverage
area grew. “The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle and its forerunners were continuously well aware of their
responsibilities regarding community leadership,” Lewis Hyatt wrote in his 1958 doctoral dissertation
commemorating the newspaper’s 150th anniversary. “They were ever ready to complain about the community
needs and suggest improvements for Clarksville and Montgomery County,” he continued. “They were also
ready to compliment and praise those things that had been accomplished in the community.” The city also had
a black newspaper, The New Herald, from 1935 to 1938. Two other now-defunct newspapers, The
Clarksville Jeffersonian and The Clarksville Star, were also published here.
The first railroad through Clarksville was the Memphis, Clarksville & Louisville Railroad, which began service
Oct. 1, 1859. The line eventually connected with other railroads at Paris, Tenn., and Guthrie, Ky. After service
interruption during the Civil War and an 11-day strike that began Feb. 6, 1868, the railroad’s financial
woes mounted. In 1872 the railroad was purchased by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the namesake of
the L&N Railroad Station, still standing on 10th Street downtown. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad
operated trains between Guthrie and Memphis as its Memphis Branch. Traffic continued to decline, and the
last passenger train, the “Night Train to Memphis,” stopped at Clarksville in February 1968. Freight service
continued over the line into the following decades. CSX, the subsequent owner of the Louisville & Nashville
Railroad, sold the line to R.J. Corman in 1987, and the regional railroad still operates trains over the line. A
second railroad – the Indiana, Alabama and Texas Railroad, incorporated on Feb. 22, 1882 – operated a
36 mile line between Clarksville and Gracey, Ky. A third railroad – the Tennessee Central Railway – opened
in 1903 and connected Harriman and Hopkinsville, Ky. A portion of the former Tennessee Central line,
between Ashland City and Nashville, is still in use as a short line railroad.
Oct. 1, 1859. The line eventually connected with other railroads at Paris, Tenn., and Guthrie, Ky. After service
interruption during the Civil War and an 11-day strike that began Feb. 6, 1868, the railroad’s financial
woes mounted. In 1872 the railroad was purchased by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the namesake of
the L&N Railroad Station, still standing on 10th Street downtown. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad
operated trains between Guthrie and Memphis as its Memphis Branch. Traffic continued to decline, and the
last passenger train, the “Night Train to Memphis,” stopped at Clarksville in February 1968. Freight service
continued over the line into the following decades. CSX, the subsequent owner of the Louisville & Nashville
Railroad, sold the line to R.J. Corman in 1987, and the regional railroad still operates trains over the line. A
second railroad – the Indiana, Alabama and Texas Railroad, incorporated on Feb. 22, 1882 – operated a
36 mile line between Clarksville and Gracey, Ky. A third railroad – the Tennessee Central Railway – opened
in 1903 and connected Harriman and Hopkinsville, Ky. A portion of the former Tennessee Central line,
between Ashland City and Nashville, is still in use as a short line railroad.
Railroads
By 1859, the population of Clarksville & Montgomery County had grown to more than 20,000, & large
numbers of slaves worked the tobacco fields. Sensing potential unrest, the town’s first constables were
installed to “control the slaves.” Free black residents also called Clarksville home during the 1800s. Early in
the century, they faced being jailed if they did not possess their “free papers.” By 1830, there were 4,555
free black people living in Tennessee, mostly in the middle & eastern sections. That year, the City Council
passed an ordinance that ordered free blacks to leave town or go to jail, but the law was not strictly
enforced. At the same time, the issues of slavery and states’ rights shifted to the forefront of politics. In 1861,
Montgomery County voted 2,632-32 to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States of America.
In Clarksville, the vote was 561-1 in favor of withdrawing. The area’s ties to the CSA were strong. The
eventual president of the CSA, Jefferson Davis, was born on June 3, 1808, in what is now Todd County, Ky.,
just over the state line. And Clarksville’s location made it an important city for both the Confederacy and the
Union. Confederate Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston set up a defense line nearby that ultimately faltered in
February 1862. Johnston realized that if the Cumberland River should fall into Union hands, enemy gunboats
would have free reign to move deeper into Confederate territory. Union troops could then easily destroy
railway bridges crossing the river, thus disabling Confederate supply lines. Just as Johnston anticipated, the
Union sent troops and gunboats to take control of the town. Nearby Confederate embankments – Fort Henry
and Fort Donelson – soon fell into Union control. On Feb. 16, 1862, panic ensued over reports of Yankee
ironclad boats coming toward Clarksville, according to an article by Randy Rubel. The only defense the city
had was Fort Clark on the Cumberland River and Fort Defiance, which sat high on the hill overlooking the
river at New Providence. Neither of these quickly constructed earthen works had the manpower or the
artillery to defend the Cumberland and Red rivers from the Navy gunboats in command of Commodore A.H.
Foote. Feb. 19 saw the approach of the Union ironclads, the Conestoga and the Cairo. They led troop
transport ships that disembarked Union troops near Trice Landing. The federal soldiers quickly covered the
hill and the outer works of Fort Defiance The only thing reportedly found was a white flag flying, and all the
Confederate troops gone. Foote reported to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant that all forts were deserted and the
enemy garrison en route toward Nashville. Federal forces now occupied Clarksville, and the state Capitol at
Nashville fell soon afterwards. From 1862 until the end of the war in 1865, Clarksville was primarily in Union
hands, but at times Confederate troops retook the town. The most well-known of these turnabouts was the
Battle of Riggins Hill. With Clarksville again in Confederate control, Union infantry left the town of Dover on
Sept. 5, 1862, with 1,050 men and two sections of artillery, according to Rubel’s history. Both armies met just
outside of Dover and clashed head-on. Rebel forces, greatly outnumbered, were pushed back toward what
was then the town of New Providence. In a series of delaying tactics, the rebels came to a small ridge on the
property of Mr. A.J. Riggins. Many townspeople joined in what was later called the Battle of Riggins Hill. The
fight continued on Sept. 6 and 7, and the Confederates were pushed all the way back through New
Providence and into Clarksville, which was retaken. A total of casualties are not known. Remnants of Fort
Defiance’s earthen work walls can be found today in New Providence now inside the city of Clarksville. As
slaves were liberated throughout the course of the war, many gathered in Clarksville, and by 1864 there
were about 9,500 former slaves in Montgomery County. Many took up arms with the Union Army, which
organized all-black regiments, while hundreds lived in a shanty town along the Cumberland River. In 1864,
the town held elections for sheriff, register of deeds and court clerk. Politics continued to be a hot topic during
the Reconstruction ear. Residents dealt with issues such as the authorization of police power, mob rule and the
destruction of private property.
numbers of slaves worked the tobacco fields. Sensing potential unrest, the town’s first constables were
installed to “control the slaves.” Free black residents also called Clarksville home during the 1800s. Early in
the century, they faced being jailed if they did not possess their “free papers.” By 1830, there were 4,555
free black people living in Tennessee, mostly in the middle & eastern sections. That year, the City Council
passed an ordinance that ordered free blacks to leave town or go to jail, but the law was not strictly
enforced. At the same time, the issues of slavery and states’ rights shifted to the forefront of politics. In 1861,
Montgomery County voted 2,632-32 to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States of America.
In Clarksville, the vote was 561-1 in favor of withdrawing. The area’s ties to the CSA were strong. The
eventual president of the CSA, Jefferson Davis, was born on June 3, 1808, in what is now Todd County, Ky.,
just over the state line. And Clarksville’s location made it an important city for both the Confederacy and the
Union. Confederate Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston set up a defense line nearby that ultimately faltered in
February 1862. Johnston realized that if the Cumberland River should fall into Union hands, enemy gunboats
would have free reign to move deeper into Confederate territory. Union troops could then easily destroy
railway bridges crossing the river, thus disabling Confederate supply lines. Just as Johnston anticipated, the
Union sent troops and gunboats to take control of the town. Nearby Confederate embankments – Fort Henry
and Fort Donelson – soon fell into Union control. On Feb. 16, 1862, panic ensued over reports of Yankee
ironclad boats coming toward Clarksville, according to an article by Randy Rubel. The only defense the city
had was Fort Clark on the Cumberland River and Fort Defiance, which sat high on the hill overlooking the
river at New Providence. Neither of these quickly constructed earthen works had the manpower or the
artillery to defend the Cumberland and Red rivers from the Navy gunboats in command of Commodore A.H.
Foote. Feb. 19 saw the approach of the Union ironclads, the Conestoga and the Cairo. They led troop
transport ships that disembarked Union troops near Trice Landing. The federal soldiers quickly covered the
hill and the outer works of Fort Defiance The only thing reportedly found was a white flag flying, and all the
Confederate troops gone. Foote reported to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant that all forts were deserted and the
enemy garrison en route toward Nashville. Federal forces now occupied Clarksville, and the state Capitol at
Nashville fell soon afterwards. From 1862 until the end of the war in 1865, Clarksville was primarily in Union
hands, but at times Confederate troops retook the town. The most well-known of these turnabouts was the
Battle of Riggins Hill. With Clarksville again in Confederate control, Union infantry left the town of Dover on
Sept. 5, 1862, with 1,050 men and two sections of artillery, according to Rubel’s history. Both armies met just
outside of Dover and clashed head-on. Rebel forces, greatly outnumbered, were pushed back toward what
was then the town of New Providence. In a series of delaying tactics, the rebels came to a small ridge on the
property of Mr. A.J. Riggins. Many townspeople joined in what was later called the Battle of Riggins Hill. The
fight continued on Sept. 6 and 7, and the Confederates were pushed all the way back through New
Providence and into Clarksville, which was retaken. A total of casualties are not known. Remnants of Fort
Defiance’s earthen work walls can be found today in New Providence now inside the city of Clarksville. As
slaves were liberated throughout the course of the war, many gathered in Clarksville, and by 1864 there
were about 9,500 former slaves in Montgomery County. Many took up arms with the Union Army, which
organized all-black regiments, while hundreds lived in a shanty town along the Cumberland River. In 1864,
the town held elections for sheriff, register of deeds and court clerk. Politics continued to be a hot topic during
the Reconstruction ear. Residents dealt with issues such as the authorization of police power, mob rule and the
destruction of private property.
The Civil War
The modern era of Clarksville was welcomed in 1902 when the first
automobile drove into town. Over the next three decades, residents would
welcome theaters, bus service and aviation. With the advent of World War
I, residents here exemplified the Volunteer State nickname when a call to
soldiers went out. On June 7, 1917, more than 2,500 men answered the call
to join the Tennessee Infantry. At the same time, woman’s suffrage began,
and local women left their mark on history. Most notably, Mrs. Frank J.
Runyon established the First Woman’s Bank of Tennessee in 1919.
automobile drove into town. Over the next three decades, residents would
welcome theaters, bus service and aviation. With the advent of World War
I, residents here exemplified the Volunteer State nickname when a call to
soldiers went out. On June 7, 1917, more than 2,500 men answered the call
to join the Tennessee Infantry. At the same time, woman’s suffrage began,
and local women left their mark on history. Most notably, Mrs. Frank J.
Runyon established the First Woman’s Bank of Tennessee in 1919.
The Turn Of the Century
An act of the General Assembly created Austin Peay Normal School –
named after the Tennessee governor – as a two-year junior college and
teacher-training institution in 1927. Twelve years later, the state Board
of Education authorized the school to inaugurate a curriculum leading to
the Bachelor of Science degree. The degree was first conferred during
graduation for the Class of 1942. Austin Peay State University’s plot of
land has long been associated with education. Rural Academy first
occupied the land from 1806 until 1810. From 1811 until 1824, the site served as home to Mount Pleasant
Academy. Clarksville Academy called it home from 1825 until 1848. From 1849 until 1850, the land was
home to Masonic College and then Montgomery County Masonic College until 1854. From 1855 until 1874, it
was Stewart College. Southwestern Presbyterian College – which later relocated to Memphis and is now
known as Rhodes College – occupied the site until 1925.
named after the Tennessee governor – as a two-year junior college and
teacher-training institution in 1927. Twelve years later, the state Board
of Education authorized the school to inaugurate a curriculum leading to
the Bachelor of Science degree. The degree was first conferred during
graduation for the Class of 1942. Austin Peay State University’s plot of
land has long been associated with education. Rural Academy first
occupied the land from 1806 until 1810. From 1811 until 1824, the site served as home to Mount Pleasant
Academy. Clarksville Academy called it home from 1825 until 1848. From 1849 until 1850, the land was
home to Masonic College and then Montgomery County Masonic College until 1854. From 1855 until 1874, it
was Stewart College. Southwestern Presbyterian College – which later relocated to Memphis and is now
known as Rhodes College – occupied the site until 1925.
Austin Peay Normal School
The look of Clarksville changed forever on Feb. 4, 1942, when
construction began on Camp Campbell. By the end of the year, the
reservation was developed and able to accommodate about 23,000
troops – one armored division and various support troops. The following
summer, the post’s initial cadre – consisting of one officer and 19
enlisted men – arrived from Fort Knox, Ky. The post served as a training
ground for the 12th, 14th and 20th Armored Divisions, Headquarters IV
Armored Corps and the 26th Infantry Division. The camp was
redesignated Fort Campbell on April 15, 1950, and became a
permanent installation. The post’s most famous unit – the 101st Airborne
Division (Air Assault) – was activated on Aug. 15, 1942. Four days
later, the unit’s first commander, Maj. Gen. William C. Lee, promised his
construction began on Camp Campbell. By the end of the year, the
reservation was developed and able to accommodate about 23,000
troops – one armored division and various support troops. The following
summer, the post’s initial cadre – consisting of one officer and 19
enlisted men – arrived from Fort Knox, Ky. The post served as a training
ground for the 12th, 14th and 20th Armored Divisions, Headquarters IV
Armored Corps and the 26th Infantry Division. The camp was
redesignated Fort Campbell on April 15, 1950, and became a
permanent installation. The post’s most famous unit – the 101st Airborne
Division (Air Assault) – was activated on Aug. 15, 1942. Four days
later, the unit’s first commander, Maj. Gen. William C. Lee, promised his
Camp Campbell
created by the meteorite impact. Wild game was plentiful and clear springs
flowed through the area. Dense flint was available nearby for arrow and
spear points. When the first white settlers moved into the area, they were
and the 62nd largest on the EIDB. The Indians found a heaven in the basin
impressed by the same features that lured the Indians. The soil was fertile,
when a railroad was being built from Clarksville to the West. While
blasting out the rock for the rail bed, a geologist found strange rock
formations near Cumberland City that suggested a violent impact had
occurred in the area. If you want to take a trip back in time, the Wells
Creek Crater can easily be observed by taking state Highway 149 from
flowed through the area. Dense flint was available nearby for arrow and
spear points. When the first white settlers moved into the area, they were
and the 62nd largest on the EIDB. The Indians found a heaven in the basin
impressed by the same features that lured the Indians. The soil was fertile,
when a railroad was being built from Clarksville to the West. While
blasting out the rock for the rail bed, a geologist found strange rock
formations near Cumberland City that suggested a violent impact had
occurred in the area. If you want to take a trip back in time, the Wells
Creek Crater can easily be observed by taking state Highway 149 from
Clarksville to Erin. As you top the hill at the intersection of 149 and Old State Route 149, the north rim of the
crater lies directly in front of you. It will curve around the horizon from your left to the right and visually give you
an indication of the size of the crater.
crater lies directly in front of you. It will curve around the horizon from your left to the right and visually give you
an indication of the size of the crater.
new recruits that although the unit had no history it had a “rendezvous with destiny.” Over the years, Fort
Campbell soldiers have been deployed to many parts of the world and have taken part in every war since
World War II. In early 2003, the division deployed for its first one-year tour in Iraq for “Operation Iraqi This
fall, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigades of the 101st are deploying to Iraq. The 4th Brigade and 101st
Campbell soldiers have been deployed to many parts of the world and have taken part in every war since
World War II. In early 2003, the division deployed for its first one-year tour in Iraq for “Operation Iraqi This
fall, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigades of the 101st are deploying to Iraq. The 4th Brigade and 101st