Town of Clarksville Community Data
History
Originally home of the Occoneechee Indians, the area was the crossroads of important Indian trading paths. In 1676, the British, led by Nathaniel Bacon, drove away the Indians and established their own trade routes.
In 1818, 100 acres adjoining the Roanoke River were laid out for the Town of Clarksville and named for the land's owner, Clark Royster.
The damming of the Roanoke River in 1952 had a tremendous impact on the area, making Clarksville the only town on the 50,000-acre water impoundment. Many industries, like the textile giant, Burlington Industries once formed the industrial base of Clarksville.
Local Economy
Today, smaller specialty companies form the basis of the Clarksville economy. New technology-driven companies like The DRS Group - a document conversion company that recently brought 115 jobs to the area - are playing an increasing role. Agriculture still plays a vital role in this, the oldest continuous flue-cured tobacco market in the world. Taxable retail sales totaled $32 million in 1990.
In 1991, the 32-acre Lake Country Industrial Park was completed, with all major utilities and ready for occupancy. The capital outlay serves as an indication of the Town's commitment to further economic and industrial development and helps attract companies like the aforementioned DRS Group to Clarksville. The strong retail establishment relies heavily on the tourism traffic generated by the John H. Kerr Reservoir, known locally as Buggs Island Lake, which brings an estimated four million visitors into the area annually. Eight hundred miles of shoreline surround the 50,000 acre water impoundment.
Government/Services
The Town of Clarksville is governed by a seven-member Town Council headed by a mayor. A town manager oversees the daily operation of the town.
Police protection is provided by a nine-member force. Fire service is provided by a volunteer staff of 40. Fire protection is provided beyond the corporate limits. The town has a fire insurance rating of 5A.
Clarksville has an active Planning Commission, Industrial Development Authority, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Chamber of Commerce.
Topography
Clarksville consists of 2.4 square miles (1518 acres) situated in the Piedmont Physiographic Province on flat to gently rolling terrain in the Roanoke River watershed area, 330 feet above sea level.
Natural Resources
Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake) is the major surface water resource in the area. Groundwater is used outside of town limits with large diameter wells, 30 to 50 feet deep, with good water and a low amount of dissolved solids. The area is underlain by igneous and metamorphic rocks. Mineral resources include granite, sand, clay, and copper ore.
Climate
A relatively moderate climate prevails, with annual average figures below:
Temperature - 57.8º January temperature - 37.0 July temperature - 77.5 Heating degree days - 3878 Cooling degree days - 1074 Rainfall - 37" Snowfall - 16.4" Prevailing winds - South to Southwest, West to East