Capleville, Tennessee facts for kids

Capleville is a community located in the southeastern part of Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States. It's pretty close to the Memphis International Airport, about half a mile east. This area has become an important place for businesses and factories because it's near the airport and major roads like Lamar Avenue (U.S. Route 78).

Discovering Capleville's Landmarks

Capleville is home to several nice parks where you can relax and have fun. These include Emerald Park, Fox Meadows Park, McFarland Park, Mooney Park, Walter K Singleton Park, and Wilson Park.

Another interesting spot is the Capleville Methodist Church. Even though the buildings you see today were built after 1971, the church itself is considered historically important. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized for its special history.

A Glimpse into Capleville's Past

Capleville got its name from the Caple family, who were among the very first settlers in West Tennessee. They owned a lot of land in this area, stretching into what is now Mississippi.

The Caple family later connected with another well-known family in Memphis, the Sims family. Sudie Caple married into the Sims family, bringing these two important families together.

Thomas M. "Pappy" Sims: A Local Hero

One notable person from the Sims family was Thomas M. "Pappy" Sims. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941, when he was 31 years old. Because he was older than most new recruits, his fellow soldiers nicknamed him "Pappy."

"Pappy" Sims showed great bravery during World War II. He was part of General Patton's Third Army. His company made an amazing discovery: they found a secret factory where Hitler's forces were building jet airplanes, hidden deep inside a mountain!

During his service, "Pappy" Sims was seriously injured while acting heroically in battle. For his courage and actions, he was awarded two very important military honors: the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. These medals recognize his bravery and sacrifice for his country.

Famous Faces from Capleville

Capleville is also known as the childhood home of a famous author, Jerry Pournelle. He was a science fiction writer who wrote many popular books.