The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has designated Clarksville as an Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) community, along with eight other communities!
The Town of Clarksville entered Virginia Main Street‘s (VMS) two-year Mobilizing Main Street (MMS) accelerator program in January 2023, led by a steering committee of dedicated volunteers and municipal staff. Through the MMS program, a new nonprofit organization – Historic Downtown Clarksville, Inc. (HDC) – was established to lead the local Main Street initiative.
Founded in 1818 by Clark Royster as the first incorporated town in Mecklenburg County, Clarksville emerged as a thriving trade hub, driven by its tobacco market and favorable climate. With the market having grown quite significant in the early 19th century, the Roanoke Navigation Company was established to facilitate tobacco transport along the major Roanoke River, further solidifying the town’s status as a key player in Virginia’s economy. Remarkably, the community retains the distinction of hosting the world’s oldest continuous tobacco market.
Like many communities, Clarksville has faced its share of challenges, including floods and economic downturns. Yet, the “Rebound Town” consistently demonstrated resilience, a clear vision and an ability to adapt to change. The construction of the Kerr Dam in the 1950s mitigated severe flood risks and created Buggs Island Lake, transforming Clarksville into Virginia’s ONLY lakeside town. While the unfortunate closures of major employers like Burlington Industries and Russell Stover Candies in 2004 impacted the economy, the town has experienced a revival fueled by tourism and the establishment of a Microsoft data center in 2006. Today, Clarksville is celebrated for its charm, vibrant downtown district—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and popular community events like the Virginia Lake Festival.
Looking ahead, Clarksville’s major economic opportunities will be significantly driven by developments centered on its waterfront, strengthening the connection between downtown, the community, and its scenic lake. Leveraging its natural beauty and strong tourism appeal, HDC and the town seek to integrate businesses more effectively with this asset to enhance visitor engagement and attract new residents. A pivotal initiative in this effort is the Cove Project – constructing a 14-slip floating dock and a paved walking path linking the docks to downtown, with plans for a waterfront park to follow. These developments will provide vital infrastructure to encourage recreational activities and downtown connectivity.
The local Main Street organization’s commitment to impactful waterfront revitalization aligns with its broader “Outdoor Recreation Economy” strategy, which aims to attract businesses that complement its recreational assets and capitalize on the town’s lake-life appeal. Projects are already underway to enhance the local economy and quality of life, reinforcing the town’s position as a premier lakeside destination. These efforts include a multitude of facade improvement projects to revitalize downtown storefronts, the creation of a pocket park to enhance public green space, and upgrades to the wayfinding sign system to improve navigation and visitor experience. Additionally, downtown master planning is happening to lay the groundwork for strategic growth and development. Together, these projects aim to enhance the town’s appeal, support economic vitality, and create a more vibrant community for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to pursuing major economic opportunities, Clarksville has established a strong organizational foundation that equips its local Main Street program with dedicated leadership, effective governance, and a structured framework. Building on this progress, HDC is focused on expanding its volunteer base and strengthening its network of community partners. By inviting local volunteers to serve on committees and/or contribute to key initiatives, the organization aims to empower individuals to play an active role in shaping the community’s future. This collaborative approach ensures the organization’s efforts remain closely aligned with the needs and aspirations of Clarksville’s residents.
Securing sustainable funding will also be critical to the long-term success of Clarksville’s local Main Street program. Recognizing this, the local Main Street organization, with continued support from the town, is committed to diversifying its financial base over the coming years. This effort will focus on leveraging a mix of funding sources, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, events and other revenue-generating opportunities to not only meet its operational needs but also support transformative projects that enhance the downtown district and contribute to the economic vitality of Clarksville.
Virginia Main Street extends its congratulations to Clarksville on achieving AVMS designation, and we look forward to continuing our support as the community progresses toward securing and successfully maintaining Main Street America Accreditation!
Virginia Main Street 