Montgomery County, TN FAQs
What is the history of Montgomery County, TN and what are its notable landmarks?
- established in 1796
- named in honor of John Montgomery, a soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War
- was originally part of North Carolina and became part of Tennessee when the state was established in 1796.
- During the Civil War, Montgomery County was a center of Union support in Middle Tennessee
- The county was the site of several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Fort Donelson in 1862.
Montgomery County is home to several notable landmarks, including:
- Fort Campbell
- his United States Army installation straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border and is home to the 101st Airborne Division
- Dunbar Cave State Park
- This park is home to Dunbar Cave, one of the largest caves in Tennessee.
- The cave was used by Native Americans for thousands of years and was later used as a saltpeter mine during the Civil War
- Austin Peay State University
- This public university was founded in 1927 and named in honor of former Tennessee Governor Austin Peay
- Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
- This museum is located in downtown Clarksville and features exhibits on the history and culture of the region.
- Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center
- This park and museum is located on the site of Fort Defiance, a Confederate fortification during the Civil War.
- Roxy Regional Theatre
- This historic theatre is located in downtown Clarksville and hosts plays, musicals, and other cultural events
- Smith-Trahern Mansion
- This historic mansion was built in 1858 and is now a museum that offers tours of the mansion and its grounds
- Beachaven Vineyards and Winery
- This winery offers tours, tastings, and events throughout the year
- Cumberland RiverWalk
- This pedestrian and bike trail runs along the Cumberland River and offers stunning views of the river and the city.
What are the recreational activities available in Montgomery County, TN?
- Boating and fishing – Montgomery County is home to several lakes and rivers that offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Some of the most popular lakes include Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
- Hiking and camping – The county is home to several state parks and natural areas, including Dunbar Cave State Park and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which offer hiking and camping opportunities.
- Golf – Montgomery County has several golf courses, including the Swan Lake Golf Course and the Clarksville Country Club.
- Historic sites and museums – The county is home to several historic sites and museums, including Fort Campbell, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, and the Smith-Trahern Mansion.
- Sports and recreation complexes – Montgomery County has several sports and recreation complexes, including the Wilma Rudolph Event Center and the Billy Dunlop Park.
- Festivals and events – The county hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including Rivers & Spires, a three-day music and arts festival, and the Clarksville Downtown Market, a weekly farmer’s market.
- Shopping and dining – The county has several shopping and dining options, including the Governor’s Square Mall and downtown Clarksville, which features several restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Parks and playgrounds – Montgomery County has several parks and playgrounds, including Heritage Park, which features a splash pad and a skate park, and McGregor Park, which has a riverfront promenade and a performance pavilion.