Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee facts for kids
Saint Bethlehem or St. Bethlehem, often called "St. B" by people who live there, was once a separate place in Montgomery County, Tennessee. It was located just northeast of downtown Clarksville. Even though St. Bethlehem is now part of Clarksville, many locals still call that area "St. B." The main post office for Clarksville is found in the St. Bethlehem area, right on U.S. Route 79.
This area was first known as Cherry Station. A postmaster later changed its name. Today, St. Bethlehem is a busy spot. It has many of Clarksville's restaurants, shops, and businesses. U.S. Highway 79, also known as Wilma Rudolph Boulevard (named after the famous Olympic runner), goes right through the middle of it. You can find places like Beachaven Winery, Governor's Square Mall, and the county's main business park here. This business park is growing to be one of the biggest in Tennessee.
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A Popular Place to Visit
St. Bethlehem is one of the most visited areas in Montgomery County. The Governor's Square Mall is a big shopping center here. It is a main spot for shopping in St. Bethlehem. You can also find a Sam's Club and one of the county's Wal-Marts nearby.
History of St. Bethlehem
The Civil War Era
During the American Civil War, a place called Camp Boone was set up in St. Bethlehem in 1861. This camp was used by the Confederate States of America to find soldiers from Kentucky to join their army. A special sign from Tennessee marks where this camp used to be.
Growth and Change
In the 1960s, a company called Trane built a factory in St. Bethlehem. This brought a lot of growth to the area. More homes and businesses appeared. In the 1980s, people voted on whether St. Bethlehem should become part of Clarksville. The vote was very close, but it passed.
Over the years, the St. Bethlehem post office became a branch of the Clarksville post office. This meant St. Bethlehem was no longer a separate address. In 2004, the Gateway-Vanderbilt Cancer Treatment Center opened near U.S. 79. Then, in 2008, the new Gateway Medical Center opened south of U.S. 79. It is next to the new Governor's Square Loop.
St. Bethlehem is still growing quickly. More homes are being built, and property prices are going up. It is a busy and important part of Clarksville.
Getting to St. Bethlehem
You can easily reach St. Bethlehem using Interstate 24 from Exits 1, 4, and 8 in Tennessee. You can also get there by using TN 374 if you are coming from West and South Clarksville.
Colleges in the Area
St. Bethlehem is home to several colleges or their satellite campuses:
- Austin Peay State University
- Bethel College satellite campus
- Draughons Junior College satellite campus
- Miller-Motte College
- Nashville State Community College satellite campus
