Clarksville

About Clarksville

Clarksville is a mid-size, family-oriented town located on the banks of the Ohio River. It's near the cities of Jacksonville and New Albany and offers a balance of modern amenities and local history. Interesting landmarks in the town include the Colgate clock, which is counted among the world's largest clocks. Clarksville is also the site of the world's largest exposed fossil bed from the Devonian period, which has been the scene of many interesting fossil discoveries over the years.

The History of Clarksville

Clarksville is considered the oldest American town in what was once the Northwest Territory, an area established after the Revolutionary War. It was founded in 1783 by George Rogers Clark, who originally chose the site of the Ohio River's only seasonal rapids as a strategic military base. Clark was the older brother of famed historic explorer William Clark, of the well-known Lewis and Clark duo. History tells of the meeting of Lewis and Clark in Clarksville, often described as the starting point of their history-making journey.

The town grew slowly during the next several decades, though it did earn notoriety as a place for gun duels. Those who were interested in dueling were able to legally do so in Clarksville, unlike the cities in its neighboring state of Kentucky. In 1937, a massive flood destroyed most of the town, with more than 12 feet of water submerging the town for weeks. The town rebuilt using a modernized plan, which helped attract new residents during the post-war housing boom.

Things to Do in Clarksville

Though Clarksville is considerably smaller than Indiana's largest cities, like Indianapolis, it's a popular Southern Indiana destination for shopping and entertainment. The Green Tree Mall and River Falls Mall are two of the town's most prominent retail developments, the latter of which is home to one of the largest Bass Pro Shops in the nation. Arts, culture and history are also plentiful in town, including America's oldest continuously-running theater company, The Clarksville Little Theater. The Colgate clock, located adjacent to the former Colgate-Palmolive plant, is another major point of interest for locals and visitors alike. As one of the largest clocks in the world, its size makes it visible from as far away as downtown Louisville.

A number of parks throughout Clarksville provide space and facilities for sports and play. Children's playgrounds, sports fields and hiking trails as well as a golf course and amphitheater are all open to the public. On the site of the town's famous fossil beds, you'll find the Falls of Ohio State Park, which provides education and exhibits focused on the 338 million-year-old fossils.

Clarksville Schools

Three different school districts serve the town of Clarksville: Clarksville Community Schools, Greater Clark County Schools and West Clark Community Schools. You also have a few small private schools to choose from in the area, most of which are faith-based.

Resources for Moving to Clarksville

Here are a few handy resources to help you plan your move to Clarksville:

• Utilities: Your primary utilities providers in Clarksville include the Clarksville Department of Electricity (CDE Lightband) and the town of Clarksville.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and yard waste is collected on a regular schedule that's based on your home's specific location.
• Transportation: The TARC public bus service provides a network of routes in and around Clarksville.

Clarksville Housing Information

One of the major benefits of moving to Clarksville is its affordable housing market, with an average home price that's well below the national average. However, it's a fairly small town, so demand can sometimes be high and options may be limited. That said, you can generally expect enough variety to find something that fits your tastes and needs. Many homes in Clarksville have grassy yards with large shade trees, and private garages and carports are also fairly common.