We would be remiss not to open this discussion with the Clarksville, TN Leaf Chronicle, the oldest and most widespread newspaper in Tennessee. This paper originally circulated under a variety of different names starting in 1808. The oldest surviving copy of the circulation is dated in 1811. Finally settling on the name Clarksville Chronicle, the paper went into official circulation in 1890. Shortly thereafter, a merger with the Tobacco-Leaf, another leading news carrier based in the agricultural stronghold of the times, born the Clarksville, Tennessee Leaf Chronicle. This newspaper is the most popular and best-selling paper in the northern Tennessee/ southern Kentucky region, and is even honored by a statue in the park.