Clarksville is a city located in Montgomery County, Tennessee, along the Cumberland River. As of the 2020 US Census, Clarksville had a population of 166,722 people, making it the fifth-largest city in Tennessee. The city’s population has grown rapidly in recent years, increasing by over 40% since 2000.
Demographics
The racial makeup of Clarksville is predominantly White (63.8%), followed by Black or African American (24.1%), Hispanic or Latino (8.5%), Asian (2.5%), and other races (1.1%). The median age in the city is 29.5 years old, with over a quarter of the population under 18 years old. This young population is largely due to the proximity of Fort Campbell, a major U.S. Army base located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border near Clarksville.
Many soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell live with their families in Clarksville, leading to an above-average population of young adults compared to the U.S. average. The high percentage of young adults also contributes to the city’s rapid population growth.
Economy
In addition to Fort Campbell, some other major employers in Clarksville include the Tennessee state government, Austin Peay State University, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, and companies like Hankook Tire, Google, and LG Electronics. Healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail are important industries in the local economy. The city has worked to revitalize its downtown area in recent years, bringing in new retail and restaurants aimed at young professionals.
For more information about the economy and employers in Clarksville, check out the City of Clarksville’s website.
Attractions
Some of the most popular attractions bringing in tourists to Clarksville include the following:
- Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center – highlights the important role Clarksville played in the Civil War
- Customs House Museum & Cultural Center – history and art museum located in a historic building downtown
- Riverwalk & McGregor Park – scenic walking trail along the Cumberland River
- Dunbar Cave State Park – large cave with hiking trails and educational tours
- Roxy Regional Theatre – performing arts theater staging Broadway musicals and plays
Outdoors enthusiasts also take advantage of Clarksville’s natural areas like the Clarksville Greenway and nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area for hiking, fishing, camping, and more. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year as well, like the Riverfest Regatta and the Handmade & Homegrown Festival.
To learn more about things to do and upcoming events in Clarksville, check out the city’s Visitors Center website.
Sports
Clarksville has a minor league baseball team called the Clarksville Clippers which plays in the Double-A South League. College sports are also popular in the city, with teams like the Austin Peay State University Governors competing in the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference. Austin Peay’s football and basketball teams have many local fans in Clarksville.
For high school sports, the Clarksville High School Wildcats and Rossview High School Hawks have a noteworthy rivalry in football, basketball, and other sports across the city.
Famous Landmarks
Some of the most iconic landmarks in Clarksville include:
- Fort Campbell – Though not in Clarksville proper, this major Army base is practically synonymous with the city and vital to its economy and culture.
- Wilma Rudolph Statue – Honors the Clarksville-born Olympic gold medalist sprinter, located downtown.
- Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge – This historic iron bridge built in 1909 connects downtown Clarksville to the riverfront.
- Roxy Regional Theatre – The historic theater’s neon sign and marquee are a recognizable part of the downtown skyline.
- L & N Train Station – Originally built in 1909, this restored train depot now serves as an event venue.
To see more notable landmarks and learn about Clarksville’s history, visit the city’s tourism website.
Growth and Development
Clarksville has experienced rapid growth since becoming a settlement. Founded in 1785, the population reached just 376 by 1820 before expanding to over 4,000 citizens by 1850. Growth continued following the Civil War, surpassing 5,000 by 1870.
In 1941, Camp Campbell (later Fort Campbell) opened and further spurred Clarksville’s development. From less than 20,000 residents in 1940, the population jumped to over 43,000 by 1950. Suburban development accelerated in the late 20th century, taking the population over 103,000 by 2000.
Recent development has focused on revitalizing downtown and adding amenities to improve quality of life. More growth is expected in the coming decades as Clarksville remains an attractive destination for young families and professionals.
To learn more about the history and future plans for Clarksville, visit the city government website and Facebook page.