John Montgomery

Biography

John Montgomery was a soldier, pioneer and politician who helped establish Clarksville, Tennessee. Born in Virginia around 1748, Montgomery explored the Cumberland River region before serving during the American Revolution under George Rogers Clark, for whom Clarksville was later named.

Montgomery purchased land at the confluence of the Cumberland and Red rivers in 1784 and founded Clarksville. He and surveyor Martin Armstrong later persuaded lawmakers to establish the community as a tobacco inspection point, helping develop Clarksville as a regional commercial and transportation center. Montgomery also served as the first sheriff of the district.

Montgomery was killed in an ambush while hunting near Eddy Creek, Kentucky, on November 27, 1794. Montgomery County, Tennessee, which includes Clarksville and later became an important railroad center, was named for him.