St. Bethlehem

Most new residents get acclimated to one part of the city before any other: St. Bethlehem, better knon to newcomers as the seven-lane stretch of Wilma Rudolph Boulevard near Governor's Square Mall.

St. Bethlehem has most of the city's restaurants, retail businesses and industries, but the area is also home to two of the best known Clarksville attractions, Dunbar Cave State Natural Area and Beachaven Vineyard and Winery.

St. Bethlehem did not become part of Clarksville until the late 1980's - and not without a battle. When first faced with annexation, residents insisted on a referendum, and the vote barely passed.

Once known as Cherry Station, the community was renamed St. Bethlehem by a postmaster.

St. Bethlehem became the focus of the county's growth when The Trane Co. moved into the area more than 40 years ago. The industrial park that followed has 14 companies.

St. Bethlehem is on the cusp of yet another growth explosion with the new, $200 million, 270 bed hospital on Dunlop Lane set to open in July 2008.