Perryville, Tennessee facts for kids
Perryville is a small, historic community located in Decatur County, Tennessee. It's known for being one of the oldest towns in the county. Perryville sits right on the banks of the Tennessee River, which is a very important waterway in the United States. It's about five miles east of another town called Parsons.
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What is Perryville?
Perryville isn't a city with its own mayor and city council. Instead, it's an "unincorporated town." This means it's a community that doesn't have its own local government. Services like roads and police are usually handled by the larger county government, which in this case is Decatur County, Tennessee.
A Look at Its Early Days
Perryville has a long history, dating back to the early 1800s. When it was first settled, it was known by a different name: Midtown. This name probably came from its central location.
Becoming Perryville
In 1821, the community officially became known as Perryville. This was a big step because it meant the town was formally recognized. At that time, it was also chosen to be the "county seat" of Perry County, Tennessee. A county seat is like the main town or capital of a county, where the government offices are located. This was a very important role for Perryville in its early years.
Why the Tennessee River is Important
Being located on the Tennessee River was a huge advantage for Perryville. Rivers were like the highways of the past. They made it easy for people to travel, transport goods, and connect with other communities. The river helped Perryville grow and thrive in its early days.
Perryville Today
Even though Perryville is no longer the county seat of Perry County, Tennessee (that role moved to another town), it remains a quiet and scenic place. One of its notable features today is a marina. A marina is a special dock area where boats can be kept, repaired, and launched. This makes Perryville a popular spot for people who enjoy boating and other water activities on the Tennessee River.
