Existing comment:
Tobacco Trade and the Rivers:
In the 1780s, the first land grant of 640 acres was made for this area north of the Red River. The stretch of the Cumberland River from Red River Landing to Trice's Landing played a crucial role in the region's economic development. Local farmers brought tobacco and other produce to the landings for storage in warehouses and then shipment downriver. Initially, large flatboats made the voyages, but by the late 1820s, steamboats carried the bulk of the cargo. Other businesses and small communities appeared inland near the landings to serve the farmers, merchants, shippers, and boatmen who frequented the landings. By the 1840s, the small communities evolved into New Providence, which was officially incorporated into the City of Clarksville during the 1960s.
Beginning in January of 1880, tobacco sales were conducted in a new $30,000 Tobacco Exchange erected on a steep bank near Public Square. The Exchange spanned seven stories on two levels, with 19 offices and salesrooms featuring lighting, gas, and water. A telephone and speaking tubes furnished communication. Two bank rooms had fire- and burglar-proof vaults. Elegantly appointed for entertainment, the spacious upper floor was the site of many cotillions and balls. When tobacco practices changed, the need for the Exchange ceased and it was demolished in 1930.
Former slaves who were now paid laborers continued to be the backbone of most of the domestic and agricultural labor force. Whole families -- grandparents, parents, young adults and children -- worked at getting the tobacco crop planted, cultivated, harvested, and loaded for the market. Many families also raised tobacco for themselves as well.
Shallow draft packets designed for use in local river trade transported products including coal, hay, corn, salt, and lumber. The packet Margaret is shown here at Clarksville Wharf. The Tobacco Exchange building sits on the hill to the left of the historic Poston building.
After cutting and curing, tobacco leaves were pressed in a hogshead barrel for transport to market. Almost 18,000 hogshead barrels were shipped from Clarksville Landing and Trice's Landing in 1858.
Dark-fired tobacco from Montgomery County was popular in England, Germany, France, and Italy in the mid-1800s. Clarksville's Type 22 Dark Fired tobacco was called the "strongest tobacco in the world." |