Clarksville, Missouri
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clarksville is a city in Pike County, Missouri, United States. The population was 490 at the 2000 census. The town is best known as an artist colony with art galleries, a variety of antiques businesses, specialty shops and a Riverfront Park where you can "Touch The Mississippi".
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[edit] Geography
Clarksville is located at (39.368769, -90.905018)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.1 km² (0.8 mi²). 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²) of it is land and 0.9 km² (0.4 mi²) of it (43.90%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 490 people, 225 households, and 134 families residing in the city. The population density was 411.3/km² (1,060.2/mi²). There were 278 housing units at an average density of 233.3/km² (601.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.57% White, 7.14% African American, 0.20% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 1.43% from other races, and 2.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.06% of the population.
There were 225 households out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.78.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $23,611, and the median income for a family was $29,375. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $17,292 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,728. About 22.3% of families and 22.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.2% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Welcome
Clarksville is a quiet little Mississippi River town that was founded in 1817 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places [1]. It is the southern anchor of one of America's National Scenic Byways-the Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road [2].
One can almost hear the long-gone bustle of the 1800s riverfront as you stroll around the historic commercial district of one of the most picturesque communities to be found along the Mississippi waterway.
Clarksville offers the traditions and values of the Heartland, along with a preserved quality of life that is small-town America. Although Clarksville is small (pop.500), it's a charming, cosmopolitan rivertown filled with art and artists. It offers residents a relaxed, yet progressive life-style. In this place, where time moves at its own serene pace, a strong sense of community still exists and neighbors are still neighborly.
[edit] Shopping and Entertainment
Clarksville is known for its unique shopping experience, with art galleries and open to the public studios, where it's possible to watch artists creating their one of a kind artwork treasures. Arts, antiques and specialty shops are all housed in the historic downtown business district. Along the southern Highway 79 entrance to town, you will find the old Apple Shed, a local landmark, which offers art shows, theater productions, musical events, art workshops and a variety of local craft and folkart shows. As a result, Clarksville is known as a lively arts community; home to visual artists, musicians, writers, dancers, photographers and more.
[edit] Art Galleries
A wide variety of art galleries may be found in Clarksville. Artworks on exhibit and for sale include Sacre Bleu...! Gallery & Design Studio, [3] specializing in one of a kind and limited edition fine art jewelry. Custom fine wood furniture may be commissioned at the M&M Greenwell Studio and Gallery [4]. Blown and fused glass are found at Clarksville Glassworks [5]. Hand forged ironwork may be found at Rinedollar Blacksmith [6] and at Little Dixie Iron Work and Signs [7]. The artists at Bent Wood Tree Gallery [8] create bent willow furniture. The Rothbard Gallery [9] offers blown glass objects and wire art. Three pottery shops; The Great River Road Pottery [10], Sunfire Pottery [11] and Clarksville Pottery [12] offer a variety of pottery types. Simpatico, [13], an artist co-op shows the work of five regional artists. The Great River Road Wood Shop shows examples of cottage furniture and Bee Naturals [14] offers artisan made natural bath and body products. Order custom colonial wood furniture at Williams Colonial Furniture [15] and handcrafted windsor chairs may be found at The Windsor Chair Shop [16].
[edit] Specialty Shops
Clarksville Station, restaurant, bakery and gift emporium [17].
Comfort Home, charming gifts and accessories for the home [18].
The Corner Cafe, breakfast and lunch are available, as well as collectibles and some antiques.
[edit] Antiques
B. T. Dove Antiques, [19] specializing in quality antiques furniture, smalls, lights and gifts.
Clarksville Antique Mall [20] with many collectibles and antiques dealer booths under one roof.
Harlequin/Howard Hughes Antiques [21] offer a large selection of depression era glass. You will also find period furniture, pottery and prints in this charming business.
[edit] Lodging and Accommodations
The Carroll House B&B is located on Hwy 79. This historic bed and breakfast was originally a stagestop house on the Great River Road. It offers three bedrooms, each with private baths and a kitchen.
Enjoy a unique stay at Cedarcrest Manor. [22] The two story brick house is a restored 1840's Greek Revival Manor. It's quiet hillside location overlooks historic Clarksville and the Mississippi River. The peaceful four acre site includes a formal garden and fountains, a large two-story covered veranda, and a heated Roman pool and classical pool house with outdoor fireplace and a second floor sun deck.
Rooms at The Clarksville Inn, a Highway 79 roadside motel, are available year-round.
Watch the sunrise across the Mississippi River from the deck of A Fisherman's Cottage [23] as you enjoy your morning coffee. This cozy cottage has been the home to generations of fishermen. Amenities include 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, a 30 foot deck, full size beds, linens provided. A washer and dryer, central heat and air, refrigerator w/ ice maker, telephone, DVD, VCR, CD are also included. Motorcoach parking.
The Village of the Blue Rose [24] not only offers river view accommodations and a restaurant, it's the home of a nonprofit, nondenominational community where adults with developmental disabilities live, learn and work in a loving family type environment.
[edit] Restaurants and Food
The Clarksville Station, where you'll find casual or fine dining. A breakfast, lunch and evening menu is served with fresh foods, baked artisinal breads, daily specials and desserts.
The Corner Cafe, serves breakfast and lunch and offers a selection of collectibles and some antiques. The corner cafe is also available for private dinner parties and catering. Home made pies and desserts are made daily.
Steamboat Restaurant and Lounge. Great country style food with a fantastic view of the Mississippi River and Lock & Dam #24.
Village Market. Lunch is served Mon-Fri within this full service convenience store business.
[edit] Items of Interest
Clarksville has more working artists, per capita, than any other town in the USA, most of whom have relocated from various places around the country.
Clarksville is one hour north of St. Louis, easily accessible from I-70, Exit 220 North which is Hwy 79, The Great River Road [25].
Crown Valley Winery & Port House [26] is situated inside the private resort Tievoli Hills located just off of Highway N, 6 miles from Clarksville, Missouri. The CV Port House features an elaborate tasting bar, indoor and outdoor seating, a bistro, gift shop, and live music on weekends in October. What makes the Port House such a unique destination is the aging facility where bottles and barrels of Port age. Visitors can view this facility as well as sample Port and other Crown Valley Wines.
Eagle Viewing. Clarksville provides an excellent Winter place for sighting Bald Eagles. The eagle count can range from as few as 25 during a warm winter to over 500 when the temperature drops below freezing for extended time periods. The prime time for seeing these majestic birds is mid-November through early March. The exact timing and numbers of birds depends upon the weather. At the Clarksville Visitor Center you will find excellent displays of wildlife information and memorabilia, Plus, a near-perfect spot (you choose inside or outside) to view the eagles. The Riverfront Park allows close-up views of the fishing eagles. [27].
Clarksville has the distinction of being the first "small Missouri town" to become a Missouri Mainstreet Community [28]. The USA Mainstreet Organization is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation [29].
There are no stoplights in Clarksville.
Many architectural treasures may be found in Clarksville and the surrounding area. This region of Missouri is known as "Little Dixie", due to the Civil War sympathizers and the number of Antebellum homes, many of which were constructed in the Greek Revival style. A pamphlet guides visitors on a self-directed walking tour through the historic district to these homes that are listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Home Register.
A high land point (900 feet above sea level) on the Mississippi is in Clarksville. This pinnacle is a burial ground of Native Americans, encompassing the Woodland Indians era and moving forward in years. At one time, access to the summit of this hill was via The Skylift (built in the 1960's), a cable powered ski-lift chair ride. The skylift is being restored to operation.
[edit] Attractions
The Appleshed, maintained by the regional RainTree Arts Council hosts art shows, theater productions, musical events, art workshops and a variety of local craft and folkart shows.
Explore the historic and newer volumes of the 1910 Clarksville Library, a small brick structure built in a Neo-Classical architectural style, with white columns flanking the entry.
Clarksville has two museums of note. The Clarksville Historical Museum, which contains collections of local historic significance, donated by area families and also the River Heritage Museum, which resides in the lower level of the Clarksville Visitor Center. This museum concentrates on the Mississippi River and its' significance in the livelihood of persons from early 1800. This Center contains large displays and hundreds of items and artifacts relative to the various cultural societies that lived along the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri rivers. Displays span the last 100 years, but the emphasis is on tools and equipment used during 1870-1970 period by the families living along the rivers. Displays include, commercial and sport fisheries, the mussel-shell pearl button industry, water fowling, furbearer harvesting, family fish markets, vintage boats and outboard motors, and a typical river man’s workshop.
The Elgin/Cottrell House [30] The Hezekiah Elgin/Cottrell House (c1845) has the honor of being one of the oldest houses on record in the city of Clarksville Missouri. Because of the small number of residents of this Antebellum home over the years, the house has had minimal changes, making it one of Missouri's most intact homes of its type and period. Candle light tours on weekends in the month of December are offered with the house decorated in full Victorian Splendor and Christmas Dress, as well as other special tour dates available throughout the year.
Lock & Dam 24 [31] spans the width of the Mississippi River and is maintained by the Army Corp of Engineers. It is 600 feet long by 110 feet wide. The dam is 1200 feet long and contains 15 gates. Lock & Dam 24 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with a visitor observation deck affording close-up views of the lock through process of river barges. About 30 million tons of bulk commodities are moved through it each year and steam driven calliope music can be heard when the visiting Mississippi River Queens pass through the lock.
"Touch the Mississippi". The Riverfront Park, adjacent to the downtown business district of Clarksville sits at the edge of the mighty river with a series of concrete steps that give access to the river waters. Throughout the year, various bird types may be viewed from Riverfront Park as they pass through on yearly migrations. This area of the Mississippi River Migratory Fly-way has been named a "bird watchers paradise" by Audobon Society members. In Spring and Fall, the Great White American Pelicans spend time in the local river waters. In December, January and February, large numbers of American Bald Eagles winter in the Clarksville area, fishing in the open waters below Lock and Dam 24.
[edit] History
Nestled between the Mississippi River and the river bluffs, Clarksville was first settled by Kentucky pioneers in 1808. In 1817, four years before Missouri statehood, the first plat was made and Clarksville officially became a town. As legend has it, the town was named in honor of William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame, and the military governor of the territory. In 1847, Clarksville was incorporated by Governor John Miller on land patented to him by Pres. James Monroe. In 1850, Clarksville received charter.
Having had one of the finest river dock areas on the entire Mississippi River, Clarksville in the years between 1825 and 1879 became a busy river port. During this time, The Landmark House, c1847, was built. This house was used by early riverboat captains as a sighting point. Its cornerstone bears the mark of the 1857 river flood and five subsequent marks as the river has risen. The structure is considered a classic example of the architecture of the famed Christopher Wren of London.
By 1860, the population approached 1200 with dry good stores, grocery stores, drug stores, hardware stores, meat markets, restaurants, a bakery, one hotel, a printing office, barber shops and eight factories including a vinegar factory (whose cider and vinegar won prizes at the Chicago World's Fair in 1896), a milling company, a stave and barrel factory, two tobacco factories, a paper mill, a foundry and a saw mill. Local vineyards yielded 12,000 gallons of wine annually and Clarksville was known as "Appletown" due to the large amounts of locally grown apples shipped from the docks. Clarksville has the distinction of having Missouri's first paper mill and tobacco factory. Commodities left Clarksville docks bound for the rest of the U.S. and Europe. In 1880 the population reached 1600.
After 1879, the commercial trade shifted from river to rail with the introduction of a train line between St. Louis and Clarksville. Daily runs were made on the Clarksville/St. Louis short line. In 1886, Clarksville was chosen as the location of 50 mile bicycle race & went on to host a 100 mile race in 1887.
At the turn of the century, music lovers enjoyed the Clarksville Opera House. The three story opera building was located on Front street facing the Mississippi River. Visitors from St Louis boated and rode passenger trains from the city to attend musical productions.
The last quarter of the 19th century saw many improvements in Clarksville; streets and sidewalks were constructed, brick homes and brick commercial buildings became more prevalent, gas lights were installed and the telephone was introduced.
Lock & Dam #24 construction by Army Corp of Engineers was completed in 1939.
In the 1950's, Clarksville became a destination for tourists and in the 1960's, the the skylift to the pinnacle overlooking the Mississippi River and river valley was built.
Then in 1987, with most of downtown in major disrepair, a not-for-profit organization began purchasing buildings, repairing them, restoring them and readying them for business occupation.
As early as 1987, the Clarksville Artist Community began to establish, with active artist recruitment continuing today.
[edit] External links
- Maps and aerial photos
- Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
- Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
