As one of Tennessee’s oldest cities, Clarksville is where history and modernity intertwine, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and urban vibrancy. With its storied past, Clarksville has evolved into a thriving community, all while maintaining its connection to its historical roots.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Clarksville’s legacy is the presence of century-old businesses that have stood the test of time. These establishments are more than just places of commerce – they are living testaments to the city’s enduring spirit and commitment to tradition.
Each of these businesses tells a story – of humble beginnings, perseverance through challenges, and a steadfast commitment to serving and employing the people of Clarksville. In this series, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board and the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce highlight these establishments, their journeys, and their role in shaping our community.
Clarksville Foundry
In the 1850s, the Foundry specialized in iron stoves and grates – later diversifying into copper pipes, kettles, sheet iron and machine castings of all descriptions. During the Civil War, the company produced rifled cannon and balls, and by the 1890s, the Foundry was a modern industrial establishment. While continuing its foundry business, the company expanded into new business ventures including manufacturing steam engines, tobacco screws, and other machinery.
Thomas B. Foust acquired the Clarksville Foundry in 1912 and introduced several new product lines, including a variety of municipal castings such as manhole covers, drainage grates and meter boxes. Prosperity continued at the Foundry during World War II, requiring the company to hire over 100 men to meet production demand.
When Charles Foust Jr. – grandson of T.B. Foust – became president in 1981, foundries across the country were closing their doors because of foreign competition and high interest rates. But like his predecessors, Charlie Foust found a way to carve out a market niche for his company. The business emphasis was shifted from machining back to Foundry operations, specializing in turnkey service and manufacturing short-run, high-quality castings in a variety of materials. As a result, a company on the verge of extinction became a thriving, modern business.
Today, the Clarksville Foundry operates at 1140 Red River St.
Byers & Harvey
In 1878, despite the challenges posed by a devastating fire that swept through downtown Clarksville, G.N. Byers boldly established the G.N. Byers Insurance Agency. A Civil War veteran and Clarksville native, Byers laid the foundation for a longstanding family business. In 1880, he began representing the Insurance Company of North America, the oldest insurance firm in the country. Upon his passing in 1901, he left a thriving enterprise to his son, L. Newton Byers. By 1946, the business remained small, but a pivotal partnership with Brown Harvey Sr. marked the beginning of its transformation.
Brown Harvey Sr. brought extensive experience in appraisal and statistics and partnered with Byers. Harvey and Byers soon realized the potential of branching into real estate, which quickly became a significant focus of the business. His strategic decision to expand into sales, leasing, appraisals and financing set the stage for the company’s growth.
Clarksville experienced a real estate boom after WWII, fueled by the establishment of Fort Campbell and a surge in demand for new housing. Byers & Harvey capitalized on this opportunity, developing subdivisions to meet the growing need for homes. Starting with Meadow Circle in 1951, the firm spearheaded the creation of over 30 subdivisions, selling thousands of parcels of land. The business expanded further when Harvey’s sons joined – Aubrey in real estate in 1949 and Brown Jr. in insurance in 1951 – cementing the integration of real estate and insurance services.
Byers & Harvey’s success in real estate and insurance propelled the company to new heights. Between 1951 and 1982, the firm sold over 7,000 parcels of land valued at more than $150 million while insuring properties, vehicles and tobacco barns. The company’s annual insurance premiums surpassed $1 million, demonstrating its robust growth. What began as G.N. Byers’ risk in 1878 evolved into a thriving enterprise, adapting and expanding across generations while remaining a cornerstone of Clarksville’s business community.
“From a small tobacco community to Tennessee’s fifth largest city, Byers & Harvey has been an integral part of this community and has enjoyed watching it grow,” said Todd Harvey. “This is our home; let us help make it your home! Byers & Harvey – a proud past and a promising future!”
Today, Byers & Harvey is located at 1820 Business Park Drive.