History :

The City of Clarksdale was incorporated in February 1882. So far as can be determined the first official city board was elected in 1888 and took office in 1889. In 1890, the city was re-chartered and the second city administration was elected and inducted under the revised law. In 1968, Clarksdale voters ratified a change in the city charter providing for a full-time mayor, at large position and 4 part-time commissioners, in postpositions 1 through 4. The 1985 election was delayed due to a suit being filed for commissioner's position to be changed to Wards with Ward districts to be set up, challenging the Commissioners Post Position.

In 1986, the Judge ordered the change to the Ward System, and 4 Wards were established for the election of Commissioners. The 4 Commissioners now vote on all subjects brought before the board. The Mayor is only required to vote when a tie occurs.

In 2000 the population of Clarksdale was 20,645. The

City includes approximately 14.18 square miles, and is located in Northwest Mississippi approximately 74 miles south of Memphis, TN and only 35 miles south of America's 3rd largest gaming destination, Tunica, MS. Clarksdale is home to the annual Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival, the Tennessee Williams Festival and is quickly becoming a great tourist attraction for blues fans, as it is believed the Crossroads of Highway 49 and 61 is where the legendary Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil.