CLARKSVILLE

Population 4,410

Altitude 442

General

Commercial center and seat of Red River County, one of the original Texas counties; created 1836 and organized in 1837. From its original area all or part of 38 other counties were created. City founded in 1834 by Capt. James Clark. Sam Houston Park on F.M. 410 in northern part of county has markers commemorating grave of Jane Chandler Gill, oldest known Anglo grave in Texas, the site of Sam Houston's entry into Texas, and the town of Jonesboro, one of the first Anglo settlements in Texas.

"Victorian" describes business district on square, oldest structures dating from 1885.

Attractions

• COLONEL CHARLES DEMORSE HOME - Known as the "Father of Texas Journalism," Colonel DeMorse founded The Northern Standard, participated in Civil War, and was the first president of Texas Press and Editorial Association. Drive-by view of unrestored home is one block north of the town square.
• GOLDEN GALS' PRALINES - Cottage industry specializing in gourmet pralines handmade with finest Texas pecan halves. Woven baskets, made in Clarksville, make unique Texas gift items. Open Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. 1101 South Donoho. 903-427-3148.
• RED RIVER COUNTY COURTHOUSE - Dates from 1885, massive walls and turrets of yellow stone, and a remarkable clock tower. Affectionately called "Old Red," clock ran smoothly until 1961 when converted to electricity. Soon thereafter, Old Red began striking 120 gongs until someone unplugged it, known as 'the night it got later than ever before" in Clarksville. Original records dating from beginning of the Republic of Texas still on file, as well as deed and marriage records from 1835.

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