Montgomery County, Tennessee

1808 1878 1928 1971 1999 2017 A Mighty Wind... Community Unites To Rebuild Archwood Arlington Hotel Asahel Huntington Patch / Patch Foundry Austin Peay Austin Peay State University Bailey Cobb Elementary School Battle of Riggins Hill Bethel Meeting House Blaze Consumes 15 Acres ... Downtown & Courthouse Destroyed Bringing the War to Clarksville Building Fort Sevier (Defiance) Burt High School Burt Home Infirmary Camp Boone Catholic Church and Rectory Cave Johnson Charlie Cushman Clarence Cameron White Clarksville Federal Building Clarksville Federal Building/Post Office/Customs House Clarksville in the Civil War Country Woman's Club Disaster Strikes Again ... Courthouse Rises from Ashes Dog Hill Drane-Foust House Emerald Hill First Court House First Courthouse Established ... Tennessee Awaits Statehood Fort Defiance Fort Defiance Fort Defiance Interpretive Center Forts Versus Ironclads Frank Spencer Sutton Freedmen School and Church Freedmen's Camp and the USCT Freedom Light Grand Judicial Building Constructed ... Citizens Celebrate Horace H. Lurton In Memory of Colonel Valentine Sevier John Montgomery Statue Joseph Buckner Killebrew (1831-1906) Kennedy & Glenn's Bank Legion Street Life as a Garrisoned Union Soldier Madison Street Methodist Church Montgomery County Courthouse Montgomery County Soldiers And Sailors World War I Monument Mrs. Josiah Morrison / Nancy Wells Nature's Fury / Fire & Wind — A Terrible Threat & a Frightful Force Nora Old Post House Palmyra Furnace Pioneer Newspaper Recapture of Clarksville Reuben Ross Riverview Cemetery Robert Loftin Newman Sevier Station Site of Montgomery County College Smith-Trahern Mansion St. John Missionary Baptist Church St. Peter African Methodist Church Steve Enloe Wylie Streight's Raid Surrender of Clarksville The John T. Cunningham Memorial Bridge Tobacco Trade and the Rivers Town of Cumberland Town Population Increases ... Move Deemed Necessary Town Spring Trice's Landing Trinity Episcopal Church Valentine Sevier Station Valentine Sevier, Memorial Whitfield, Bradley & Co. Willie Blount Wilma Glodean Rudolph
Montgomery County, located in the state of Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw, until European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century. In 1780, James Robertson established the first settlement, known as the Old Town, near what is now known as Port Royal State Park.

The county was officially formed in 1796 and named in honor of John Montgomery, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. It quickly became an important transportation hub, with the Red River and the newly constructed Cumberland River providing easy access for trade and commerce. In 1804, the city of Clarksville, named after General George Rogers Clark, was established as the county seat.

During the Civil War, Montgomery County played a significant role. Located along the Cumberland River, Clarksville was a strategic point for both Union and Confederate forces. The area saw numerous skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Fort Donelson in nearby Stewart County. The city was occupied by Union troops for much of the war, serving as a supply depot and base of operations.

After the war, Montgomery County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further enhanced the county's economic prospects. Industries such as tobacco processing, furniture manufacturing, and clothing production flourished. In the early 20th century, Austin Peay State College (now Austin Peay State University) was established in Clarksville, making it an educational center in the region.

Today, Montgomery County is a thriving community with a diverse economy, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a strong military presence due to the nearby Fort Campbell Army base. The county's historical significance remains evident in its many historic sites and landmarks, preserving its past and serving as a reminder of the rich history that shaped the area.
Brief timeline of the history of Montgomery County, Tennessee:

  • 1796 - Montgomery County was established on December 17 as part of the State of Tennessee.
  • 1797 - The town of Clarksville was founded as the county seat.
  • 1825 - The county's population reached 7,657 residents.
  • 1861-1865 - Montgomery County, like many areas in Tennessee, was heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1890 - Montgomery County's population grew to 30,126.
  • 1926 - Austin Peay State Teachers College (now Austin Peay State University) was established in Clarksville.
  • 1950s-1960s - Montgomery County experienced significant population growth due to the establishment of Fort Campbell military base.
  • 1978 - Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library opened its doors.
  • 1980 - The county's population reached 98,371.
  • 1999 - The county celebrated its bicentennial anniversary.
  • 2021 - Montgomery County continues to grow and develop, with a population of over 208,000 residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montgomery County, Tennessee.