McKenzie, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
McKenzie, Tennessee
McKenzie Station
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The McKenzie Depot, September 2014
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Motto(s):
This is your town...
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![]() Location of McKenzie in Weakley County, Tennessee.
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Country | United States |
State | Tennessee |
Counties | Carroll, Weakley, Henry |
Incorporated | 1869 |
Named for | James Monroe McKenzie (1818-1873) |
Area | |
• Total | 6.37 sq mi (16.50 km2) |
• Land | 6.37 sq mi (16.49 km2) |
• Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
Elevation | 492 ft (150 m) |
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 5,529 |
• Density | 868.25/sq mi (335.24/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP code |
38201
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Area code(s) | 731 |
FIPS code | 47-44940 |
GNIS feature ID | 1326832 |
McKenzie is a city in Tennessee, United States. It is special because it sits where three counties meet: Carroll, Henry, and Weakley. In 2020, about 5,529 people lived here.
Contents
History of McKenzie
The city of McKenzie began in 1865. It was planned on land owned by James McKenzie. This spot was important because two main railroad lines crossed there. These were the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad and the Louisville & Memphis Railroad.
A train station, first called "McKenzie Station," was built at this crossing. The town officially became a city on January 22, 1869.
A famous visitor came to McKenzie on October 15, 1887. The President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, stayed overnight at the McKenzie Hotel. This hotel was right next to the train depot.
Geography of McKenzie
McKenzie is mostly located in the northern part of Carroll County. A small part of the city reaches north into Henry County. An even smaller part extends west into Weakley County.
U.S. Route 79 goes through the city. It leads northeast about 17 miles to Paris. It also goes southwest about 20 miles to Milan.
Tennessee State Route 22 runs along the east side of McKenzie as a bypass. It goes northwest about 25 miles to Martin. It also heads southeast about 10 miles to Huntingdon.
The United States Census Bureau says that McKenzie covers a total area of about 6.3 square miles (16.2 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population of McKenzie
McKenzie has grown steadily over the years. In 1890, about 1,166 people lived here. By 2020, the population had grown to 5,529 people.
The city is home to many different people. In 2020, there were 2,116 households in McKenzie. About 1,278 of these were families.
Education in McKenzie
McKenzie has several important schools and colleges. They offer learning opportunities for all ages.
Bethel University
Bethel University has been in McKenzie since 1872. Its main campus is on the north side of town. This university is connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It offers both bachelor's and master's degrees in many subjects. The school is officially recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Bethel University also has smaller campuses in Jackson, TN, and Paris, TN.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology is another important school. It used to be called the McKenzie State Area Vocational School. This college is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system, which has 46 schools. It teaches practical skills like Industrial Electricity/Electronics, Machine Shop, and Welding. Other courses include Refrigeration, Masonry, Industrial Maintenance, and HVAC.
McKenzie Special School District
The McKenzie Special School District serves younger students. It includes three main schools:
- McKenzie Elementary School (for grades PreK-4)
- McKenzie Middle School (for grades 5–8)
- McKenzie High School (for grades 9–12)
Cultural Institutions
McKenzie has several places where you can enjoy arts, history, and learning.
- Park Theater - This theater was built in the 1940s. Today, it shows local plays and movies.
- McKenzie Memorial Library - This is the city's library. It has almost 15,000 books for people to borrow.
- Gordon Browning Museum and Genealogical Library - This museum is named after Gordon Browning. He was a former Governor of Tennessee. It helps people learn about local history and their family roots.
- Webb School Alumni Museum - This museum focuses on the Webb School. It was an all-Black school that served West Tennessee from 1927 to 1966.
Media
McKenzie has its own radio stations and a local newspaper.
Radio Stations
- WRQR-FM 105.5 plays "Today's Best Music."
- WTPR-AM 710 and WTPR-FM 101.7 play "The Greatest Hits of All Time."
- WTJF AM 1390, FM 105.3 & 94.3 airs "The Mike Slater Show" in the mornings.
- WHDM 1440-AM and 98.9-FM.
- WAJJ 89.3 FM is a Christian radio station.
Newspapers
- The McKenzie Banner is the local newspaper for the city.
See also
In Spanish: McKenzie (Tennessee) para niños