Paris, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paris, Tennessee
|
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||
|
|||||
Location in Henry County, Tennessee
|
|||||
| Country | United States | ||||
| State | Tennessee | ||||
| County | Henry | ||||
| Incorporated | 1823 | ||||
| Named for | Paris, France | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • Total | 12.96 sq mi (33.55 km2) | ||||
| • Land | 12.91 sq mi (33.43 km2) | ||||
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.12 km2) | ||||
| Elevation | 515 ft (157 m) | ||||
| Population
(2020)
|
|||||
| • Total | 10,316 | ||||
| • Density | 799.13/sq mi (308.56/km2) | ||||
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | ||||
| ZIP code |
38242
|
||||
| Area code(s) | 731 | ||||
| FIPS code | 47-56720 | ||||
| GNIS feature ID | 1296772 | ||||
Paris is a city in Tennessee, United States. It is the main town, also called the county seat, of Henry County. In 2020, about 10,316 people lived there.
A special feature of Paris, Tennessee, is its own replica of the famous Eiffel Tower. This tower is 70 feet (21 meters) tall.
Contents
History of Paris, Tennessee
How Paris Was Founded
In December 1822, five special leaders chose the spot where Paris is today. They picked 50 acres of land. This land was given by two people, Joseph Blythe and Peter Ruff.
The leaders then planned the town. They made a public square, streets, and 104 building lots. These lots were sold in an auction in early 1823.
Becoming an Official City
Paris became an official city on September 30, 1823. It was the very first town in West Tennessee to become incorporated. This means it was given a legal city government.
Later, other towns like Lexington and Memphis also became official cities. Paris was named after Paris, France. This was done to honor the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero.
Geography and Location
Paris is located at coordinates 36.301229 degrees North and -88.313815 degrees West.
The United States Census Bureau says the city covers about 10.9 square miles (28.2 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a very small part, about 0.04 square miles (0.1 square kilometers), is water.
Population and People
Paris Population Over Time
The number of people living in Paris has changed over many years. Here is how the population has grown and shrunk:
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 1,767 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,917 | 8.5% | |
| 1900 | 2,018 | 5.3% | |
| 1910 | 3,881 | 92.3% | |
| 1920 | 4,730 | 21.9% | |
| 1930 | 8,164 | 72.6% | |
| 1940 | 6,395 | −21.7% | |
| 1950 | 8,826 | 38.0% | |
| 1960 | 9,325 | 5.7% | |
| 1970 | 9,892 | 6.1% | |
| 1980 | 10,728 | 8.5% | |
| 1990 | 9,332 | −13.0% | |
| 2000 | 9,763 | 4.6% | |
| 2010 | 10,156 | 4.0% | |
| 2020 | 10,316 | 1.6% | |
| Sources: | |||
People in Paris in 2020
In 2020, the city of Paris had 10,316 residents. There were 4,335 households and 2,556 families living in the city. Most people in Paris are White, making up about 73% of the population. About 17% of the people are Black or African American. Other groups like Asian, Native American, and people of mixed races also live in Paris. About 3% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
Local Industries
Companies in Paris make many different products. These include car brakes and small electric motors. They also produce parts for cars, metal doors, and rubber items. You can also find school laboratory furniture and ready-to-eat foods made here.
Culture and Fun Activities
The Eiffel Tower Park
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tennessee, is a smaller version of the famous tower in Paris, France. It was first built by Christian Brothers University in the early 1990s. The first tower was made of wood and was 65 feet tall. Later, it was replaced with a 70-foot metal tower.
The Eiffel Tower is located in Eiffel Tower Park. This park has many things to do. You can find tennis courts, a large swimming pool, and soccer fields. There are also two walking trails and a playground for kids. The park also has a new frisbee golf course.
Arts and Performances
Paris is a city that loves the arts. Many music events happen at the Krider Performing Arts Center, known as "KPAC." This building is connected to Paris Elementary School.
The Paris-Henry County Arts Council also holds art events all year. These include "Arts 'Round the Square" and a yearly photo show. The Paris Academy for the Arts offers classes and places for local artists to work.
Sports in Paris
From 1922 to 1924, Paris had its own Minor League Baseball teams. They were called the Paris Travelers and the Paris Parisians. The Henry County High School (HCHS) football team has won the 5A State Championship twice.
Famous People from Paris
Many notable people have connections to Paris, Tennessee. Here are a few:
- John Hall Buchanan, Jr. — A Representative in the United States House of Representatives.
- John Wesley Crockett — Also served in the United States House of Representatives.
- Rosan "Rattlesnake Annie" Gallimore — A country music artist.
- Edwin Wiley Grove — He started the Paris Medicine Company and helped fund E. W. Grove High School.
- Isham G. Harris — A former Tennessee governor and a U.S. Senator.
- John Hudson — A professional football player who played for the Baltimore Ravens.
- Howell Edmunds Jackson — A U.S. Senator and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
- Vernon Jarrett — A political activist and a writer for the Chicago Tribune.
- Mordecai Wyatt Johnson — The first Black president of Howard University.
- Bobby Jones — A gospel musician.
- Cherry Jones — An actress who has won multiple Tony Awards for her work in plays.
- Merle Kilgore — A country musician, songwriter, and manager.
- Charles Gilbert "Chick" King — A professional baseball player.
- Keith Lancaster — A singer, songwriter, and founder of The Acappella Company.
- Vernon McGarity — Received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
- Bobby Olive — A former NFL wide receiver.
- James D. Porter — A former Tennessee governor and a Minister to Chile.
- Thomas Clarke Rye — Another former Tennessee governor.
- Edward H. Tarrant — A representative in the Texas House of Representatives.
- Stephen M. Veazey — The current president of the Community of Christ.
- Hank Williams Jr. — A famous country musician who has a home nearby.
- Felix Zollicoffer — A U.S. Representative and a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army.
- Gin Cooley — A model.
- Jim Cullivan — A football coach.
Paris and Henry County Media
Radio Stations
- WHNY AM/1000
- W248BK FM/97.5
- WHNY-FM FM/104.7
- WLZK FM/94.1 - "94.1 The Lake"
- WRQR-FM FM/105.5 - KF99-KQ105
- WTPR AM/710 - WENK-WTPR
- WTPR FM/101.7
Newspapers
- The Paris Post-Intelligencer
See also
In Spanish: Paris (Tennessee) para niños
