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 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.