By the Civil War, Clarksville had become a substantial port on the lower Cumberland River.  Clarksville also enjoyed (via the Memphis, Clarksville & Louisville Railroad) rail connections with Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee, and Louisville in Kentucky.
 
 

Clarksville achieved significance during the antebellum period as a major exporter of dark-fired tobacco to the European market.  Extensive warehouses stood along the river banks and adjacent to the new railroad lines.  In addition, there was also limited pig iron production in the vicinity of Clarksville.  With its substantial economic role, Clarksville thus became a strategically significant location during the Civil War.

  River Ports and Shipyards

Last update:  September 15, 2001