[8] The first major industry in the Ashland City area was a forge operated by Montgomery Bell at the Narrows of the Harpeth, several miles to the southwest, which was established in 1818.

In 1835, Samuel Watson established a gristmill and powder mill along Sycamore Creek, just north of Ashland City.

Ashland City is centered on the junction of Tennessee State Route 12, which connects the town with Nashville to the southeast and Clarksville to the northwest, and Tennessee State Route 49, which connects the city to Springfield and Kentucky to the northeast and Charlotte to the west.

This jagged cliff system, which was carved by the Cumberland River, is popular with local rock climbers and hikers.

[10] Cheatham Lake is a large recreational area that extends up the Cumberland River past Ashland City and is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The lake area, formed by Cheatham Lock and Dam 11 miles (18 km) to the northwest of the town, offers many outdoor experiences such as camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, water sports, swimming, and multiple children's play areas.

The largest manufacturing operation in Ashland City is A. O. Smith (State Industries until 2001), which fabricates water heaters.

The city limits were recently extended southeast along State Highway 12 to the Davidson County line.

This expansion incorporated the Cheatham County Industrial Park, which includes Caymas Boats (across from the former Triton Boats plant) as well as barge building operations, paper products, and concrete manufacturers along the Cumberland River.