Purdy, Tennessee facts for kids
Purdy, Tennessee is a small, quiet community in McNairy County, Tennessee. It is located about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of Selmer. Purdy is an unincorporated community, which means it does not have its own local government like a city or town. For many years, until 1890, Purdy was actually the main town, or county seat, of McNairy County.
In the 1850s, Purdy missed out on a big chance for growth. The people there decided not to support a new railroad line coming through their community. This choice meant Purdy stayed a rural area without many businesses or factories. During the Civil War, Purdy was an important crossroads. However, the war also caused damage, which led to the town's decline.
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Purdy's Population History
In 1850, official records show that 260 people lived in Purdy. These residents lived in 43 homes throughout the area.
Where is Purdy Located?
Purdy is found at a specific spot on the map: 35.22670 degrees North and 88.53060 degrees West. It is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of Selmer in McNairy County. The land in Purdy is about 570 feet (173.7 meters) above sea level.
A Look at Purdy's Past
Purdy was officially planned out in 1825 by a man named Col. John Purdy. The community was named after him. For many years, Purdy served as the county seat of McNairy County.
Why the Railroad Changed Things
In the 1850s, a new railroad line was being planned. The people of Purdy chose not to have the railroad come through their community. At the same time, residents in nearby Selmer welcomed the railroad. This decision had a huge impact. The railroad brought new businesses and wealth to Selmer. Because Purdy did not get the railroad, it remained a quiet, rural community.
When the County Seat Moved
By 1890, Selmer had grown much larger and more important because of the railroad. Voters in Selmer decided that the county seat should move from Purdy to their town. Since 1890, Selmer has been the main town and county seat for McNairy County, Tennessee.
Purdy's Local Newspaper
The local newspaper for Purdy and all of McNairy County is called the Independent Appeal. This newspaper started in 1902. Its office is located in Selmer.
Purdy's Economy
The main way people in Purdy make money is through agriculture, especially by growing cotton.
Farming in the Past
After slavery ended, many families in the area who did not own land became sharecroppers. This was their main way to earn a living. Sharecroppers would farm land that belonged to someone else. In return, they would give a part of their crop, usually cotton, to the landowner.
Farming Today
Over time, new machines like the cotton picker were invented. These machines made it much easier and faster to harvest cotton. This meant that manual labor was no longer needed as much. In 2007, Purdy was still a rural community. It did not have any large factories, big businesses, or tourism.
Famous People from Purdy
- Marcus Joseph Wright (1831–1922) was born in Purdy. He was a military leader during the Civil War and also an author.
- John Vines Wright (1828–1908) was also born in Purdy. He became a member of the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. government.
