Shelbyville | |
---|---|
Downtown Shelbyville | |
Nickname(s): The Walking Horse Capital of the World and The Pencil City | |
![]() Location of Shelbyville in Bedford County, Tennessee. | |
Coordinates: 35°29′20″N86°27′8″W / 35.48889°N 86.45222°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Tennessee |
County | Bedford |
Platted | 1810 |
Incorporated | 1819 |
Named for | Isaac Shelby [1] |
Government | |
• Mayor | Wallace Cartright |
Area | |
• Total | 18.44 sq mi (47.76 km2) |
• Land | 18.44 sq mi (47.76 km2) |
• Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
Population | |
• Total | 23,557 |
• Density | 1,277.56/sq mi (493.27/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP codes | 37160-37162 |
Area code | 931 |
FIPS code | 47-67760 [4] |
GNIS feature ID | 1269993 [5] |
Website | www |
Shelbyville is a city in and the county seat of Bedford County, Tennessee. [6] The town was laid out in 1810 and incorporated in 1819. [7] Shelbyville had a population of 20,335 residents at the 2010 census. [8] The town is a hub of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and has been nicknamed "The Walking Horse Capital of the World".
Shelbyville is in Middle Tennessee on a Highland Rim limestone bluff upon the banks of Duck River, which flows around the southern and eastern sides of town. [9]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.6 square miles (48.2 km2), all land. [8]
Climate data for Shelbyville, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–present) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 78 (26) | 82 (28) | 85 (29) | 92 (33) | 96 (36) | 108 (42) | 107 (42) | 105 (41) | 105 (41) | 98 (37) | 87 (31) | 77 (25) | 108 (42) |
Mean maximum °F (°C) | 67.5 (19.7) | 71.2 (21.8) | 78.8 (26.0) | 84.1 (28.9) | 89.1 (31.7) | 94.0 (34.4) | 95.9 (35.5) | 95.7 (35.4) | 93.1 (33.9) | 85.7 (29.8) | 77.5 (25.3) | 69.0 (20.6) | 97.5 (36.4) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 49.4 (9.7) | 53.8 (12.1) | 62.5 (16.9) | 72.0 (22.2) | 79.5 (26.4) | 86.4 (30.2) | 89.4 (31.9) | 89.0 (31.7) | 83.9 (28.8) | 73.4 (23.0) | 61.6 (16.4) | 52.4 (11.3) | 71.1 (21.7) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 39.1 (3.9) | 42.7 (5.9) | 50.6 (10.3) | 59.5 (15.3) | 67.8 (19.9) | 75.4 (24.1) | 78.8 (26.0) | 77.8 (25.4) | 71.8 (22.1) | 60.6 (15.9) | 49.3 (9.6) | 42.0 (5.6) | 59.6 (15.3) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 28.9 (−1.7) | 31.7 (−0.2) | 38.7 (3.7) | 47.1 (8.4) | 56.2 (13.4) | 64.3 (17.9) | 68.3 (20.2) | 66.6 (19.2) | 59.7 (15.4) | 47.9 (8.8) | 37.1 (2.8) | 31.7 (−0.2) | 48.2 (9.0) |
Mean minimum °F (°C) | 9.7 (−12.4) | 14.9 (−9.5) | 21.3 (−5.9) | 30.1 (−1.1) | 40.4 (4.7) | 52.9 (11.6) | 59.4 (15.2) | 57.4 (14.1) | 44.6 (7.0) | 31.6 (−0.2) | 21.7 (−5.7) | 16.0 (−8.9) | 7.7 (−13.5) |
Record low °F (°C) | −20 (−29) | −7 (−22) | 3 (−16) | 21 (−6) | 30 (−1) | 38 (3) | 49 (9) | 47 (8) | 32 (0) | 18 (−8) | 9 (−13) | −9 (−23) | −20 (−29) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 5.29 (134) | 5.63 (143) | 5.79 (147) | 4.99 (127) | 5.05 (128) | 5.03 (128) | 5.07 (129) | 4.24 (108) | 4.22 (107) | 3.65 (93) | 4.35 (110) | 6.05 (154) | 59.36 (1,508) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.2 (0.51) | 0.7 (1.8) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 1.1 (2.8) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12.4 | 11.1 | 11.7 | 11.3 | 11.3 | 9.3 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 9.6 | 12.1 | 128.4 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.0 |
Source: NOAA [10] [11] |
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1850 | 1,708 | — | |
1860 | 776 | −54.6% | |
1870 | 1,719 | 121.5% | |
1880 | 1,869 | 8.7% | |
1890 | 1,823 | −2.5% | |
1900 | 2,236 | 22.7% | |
1910 | 2,869 | 28.3% | |
1920 | 2,912 | 1.5% | |
1930 | 5,010 | 72.0% | |
1940 | 6,537 | 30.5% | |
1950 | 9,456 | 44.7% | |
1960 | 10,466 | 10.7% | |
1970 | 12,262 | 17.2% | |
1980 | 13,530 | 10.3% | |
1990 | 14,049 | 3.8% | |
2000 | 16,105 | 14.6% | |
2010 | 20,335 | 26.3% | |
2020 | 23,557 | 15.8% | |
Sources: [12] [13] [3] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 13,156 | 55.85% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 2,942 | 12.49% |
Native American | 65 | 0.28% |
Asian | 173 | 0.73% |
Pacific Islander | 10 | 0.04% |
Other/Mixed | 1,045 | 4.44% |
Hispanic or Latino | 6,166 | 26.17% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 23,557 people, 7,257 households, and 5,025 families residing in the city.
As of the census [4] of 2000, there were 16,105 people, 6,066 households, and 4,155 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,041.3 inhabitants per square mile (402.0/km2). There were 6,550 housing units at an average density of 423.5 per square mile (163.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 77.14% White, 14.98% African American, 0.70% Asian, 0.35% Native American, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 5.02% from other races, and 1.78% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up 14.55% of the population.
Of the 6,066 households, 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. A total of 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,593, and the median income for a family was $30,465. Males had a median income of $23,754 versus $16,065 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,260. About 14.4% of families and 25.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.
Shelbyville is known as "The Pencil City" because of its historical importance as a center of wood-cased pencil manufacturing. [15] [16] It is still a site for manufacture of writing instruments. In 1982, National Pen Corporation purchased its largest competitor, U.S. Pencil and Stationery Company. [17] Sanford Corporation produced the Sharpie, the world's top-selling writing instrument, in the city. [16] It was in Shelbyville in 1991 that the world's longest pencil was produced, a plastic-cased pencil 1,091 feet (333 m) long, weighing 27 pounds (12 kg). [18]
Other major business operations in Shelbyville include manufacturers Calsonic Kansei, Newell Rubbermaid, Cebal America, and Jostens; it is also home to a Tyson Foods facility and a distribution center for Wal-Mart, as well as several nationwide trucking businesses. [16] [19]
Shelbyville is at the intersection of U.S. Route 231 and U.S. Route 41A. It was the terminus of a branch line (from Wartrace [20] ), located along what is now known as Railroad Avenue, connecting with what was once known as the Saint Louis, Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. [9]
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration [21] takes place each year during the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the largest show for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed's World Grand Champion and over 20 World Champions are named. The Celebration is a festival event where more than $650,000 in prizes and awards are given. The Celebration began in 1939, and the first winner was Strolling Jim. [22]
Bedford County School District operates primary and secondary schools. Shelbyville Central High School is the local public high school.
After the end of non-penal slavery in the United States the AME Church opened a school for African-American children. The public school system graduated its first black class in 1890. The schools for African-American children operated by the district were East Bedford School and Bedford County Training School for Negroes (a.k.a. John McAdams High School and also Harris High School for Negroes). Schools racially integrated after 1964. [23]
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Shelbyville is one of 46 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents System, the seventh largest system of higher education in the nation. This system comprises six universities, fourteen community colleges, and twenty-six technology centers. More than 80 percent of all Tennessee students attending public institutions are enrolled in a Tennessee Board of Regents institution.
The City of Shelbyville, Tennessee Government consists of an elected mayor, six member elected city council, and appointed city manager. [24]
The Bedford County Post launched in August 2023 when the Shelbyville Times-Gazette closed its doors. [25]
Shelbyville has two news media outlet, above and the Shelbyville Times-Gazette. [26]
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Shelbyville was featured in Miranda Lambert's video "Famous in a Small Town".[ citation needed ]
The city was also profiled in the film Welcome to Shelbyville , as part of the PBS documentary film series Independent Lens. The film spotlights recent demographic changes in the community, with a focus on the growing number of immigrants from Latin America and Somalia (both Somalis and people from the Bantu minority ethnic group).
Shelbyville was also featured in GADA film's Our Very Own (2005 Film), directed by Cameron Watson. The film, dubbed "a love story to Shelbyville", highlighted some of the peculiar and humorous memories of Shelbyville in the 1970s. The film follows five teenagers who are determined to meet Shelbyville's own Sondra Locke. Filmed in 2004, it highlights the square, Capri Theater, Pope's Cafe, Central High School, Duck River Dam, TWHNC, and many other landmarks.
Shelbyville was mentioned in the lyrics of Nashville country duo Birdcloud's song "Saving Myself For Jesus"
Moore County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,461, making it the third-least populous county in Tennessee. It forms a consolidated city-county government with its county seat of Lynchburg. At 130 square miles (340 km2), it is the second-smallest county in Tennessee, behind only Trousdale. The county was created in 1871, during the Reconstruction era. Moore County is part of the Tullahoma-Manchester, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Marshall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,318. Its county seat is Lewisburg. Marshall County comprises the Lewisburg Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is in Middle Tennessee, one of the three Grand Divisions of the state.
Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,837. Its county seat is Jasper. Marion County is part of the Chattanooga, AL–TN–GA Metropolitan Statistical Area. Marion County is in the Central time zone, while Chattanooga proper is in the Eastern time zone.
Lincoln County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,319. Its county seat and largest city is Fayetteville. The county is named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.
Bedford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 50,237. Its county seat is Shelbyville. Bedford County comprises the Shelbyville, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro, TN Combined Statistical Area.
Bell Buckle is a town in Bedford County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 410 at the 2020 census. The downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Bell Buckle Historic District.
Wartrace is a town in Bedford County, Tennessee. The population was 653 at the 2020 census. It is located northeast of Shelbyville. The downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Wartrace Historic District.
Camden is a city in Benton County, Tennessee. The population was 3,674 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Benton County.
Oak Hill is a city in Davidson County, Tennessee. The population was 4,529 at the 2010 census. The Tennessee Governor's Mansion is located in the city. Although the city is administered under the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, it retains its own municipal government.
Pulaski is a city in and the county seat of Giles County, which is located on the central-southern border of Tennessee, United States. The population was 8,397 at the 2020 census. It was named after Casimir Pulaski, a noted Polish-born general on the Patriot side in the American Revolutionary War.
Chapel Hill is a town in northeastern Marshall County, Tennessee, United States. The town was named after Chapel Hill, North Carolina, by settlers from that area. The population was 1,717 as of the 2020 census.
Lewisburg is a city in and the county seat of Marshall County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 12,288 in 2020. Lewisburg is located in Middle Tennessee, fifty miles south of Nashville and fifty-two miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. Residents have access to the larger cities via nearby I-65.
Greenbrier is a city in Robertson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 6,433 at the 2010 census, and at the 2020 census the population was 6,898.
Brentwood is a city in Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 45,373 as of the 2020 United States census. It is a suburb of Nashville and included in the Nashville metropolitan area.
Franklin is a city in and the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee, United States. About 21 miles (34 km) south of Nashville, it is one of the principal cities of the Nashville metropolitan area and Middle Tennessee. As of 2020, its population was 83,454. It is the seventh-most populous city in Tennessee. Franklin is known to be the home of many celebrities, mostly country music stars.
Lebanon is the county seat of Wilson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 38,431 at the 2020 census. Lebanon is located in Middle Tennessee, approximately 25 miles (40 km) east of downtown Nashville. Lebanon is part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Lynchburg is a city in the south-central region of the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is governed by a consolidated city-county government unit whose boundaries coincide with those of Moore County. Lynchburg is best known as the location of Jack Daniel's distillery, whose famous Tennessee whiskey is marketed worldwide as the product of a city with only one traffic light. Despite the operational distillery, which is a major tourist attraction, Lynchburg's home county of Moore is a dry county. Sampling whiskey is permitted in the distillery, however. The population was 6,461 at the 2020 census.
White House is a city in Robertson and Sumner counties in the United States state of Tennessee. The population was listed as 12,982 in the 2020 census. It is approximately twenty-two miles north of downtown Nashville.
William Prentice Cooper Jr. was an American politician and diplomat who served as the 39th governor of Tennessee from 1939 to 1945. He led the state's mobilization efforts for World War II, when over 300,000 Tennesseans joined the armed forces, and numerous defense-related facilities were established across the state. He later served as United States Ambassador to Peru (1946–1948) and chaired Tennessee's 1953 constitutional convention.
A resident of Shelbyville during his congressional days, Cooper grew up in decidedly genteel circumstances.