Cities and Towns in Perry County, Tennessee
Founded in 1819, Perry County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Perry County was formed from Humphreys and Hickman counties. The city of Linden is the county seat. With FIPS code of 135, Perry County has a population of 8,472 and area of 415 square miles (1,075 km²).
Major Cities and Towns in Perry County, Tennessee
Linden, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- Zip Codes: 37096
- Latitude: 35.6752° N
- Longitude: 87.9467° W
Location and History
Linden is the county seat of Perry County, located in the central part of Tennessee, along the scenic Buffalo River. Linden is situated roughly 60 miles southwest of Nashville and serves as a hub for the county’s government and commerce. The town was established in the mid-19th century, around the time Perry County was created in 1819. Originally, the economy of Linden was largely agricultural, with settlers growing crops such as tobacco, corn, and cotton. The town’s strategic position along the Buffalo River also made it a vital point for trade and transportation during its early years.
In the late 19th century, Linden began to see industrial development with the rise of timber and milling industries. The construction of the railroad further fueled its growth, allowing for easier access to surrounding markets. Linden remained a small but important rural community throughout the 20th century, retaining much of its historical charm while expanding its services and infrastructure. Today, Linden continues to serve as the administrative center for Perry County, with a mixture of local businesses, government services, and residential areas that draw people seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Linden is home to several educational institutions, including Perry County High School, which serves students in grades 9-12. Additionally, Linden Elementary School and the Perry County Alternative School provide education to younger students. The town is also home to several churches and community centers that serve as gathering places for locals. Key landmarks in Linden include the Perry County Courthouse, a historic building that has stood as a symbol of local governance since the late 1800s. Linden also offers outdoor attractions such as the Buffalo River, which is popular for canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation. The nearby Birdsong Recreation Area, located along the Tennessee River, is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and boating. The town has a rich local history, with several preserved historic homes and buildings in its downtown district. Linden’s peaceful atmosphere, natural beauty, and community focus make it a charming place to live and visit in rural Tennessee.
New Hope, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800
- Zip Codes: 37096
- Latitude: 35.7343° N
- Longitude: 87.8224° W
Location and History
New Hope is a small, unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Perry County, Tennessee. Situated near the intersection of State Route 13 and Highway 64, New Hope is easily accessible from nearby Linden and other towns in the county. The area has a long history, with its earliest settlers arriving in the early 1800s, drawn by the fertile soil and proximity to the Buffalo River. The community grew slowly over the years, with most residents engaged in farming and other agricultural activities. During the 19th century, New Hope was a rural center for surrounding farms, providing a place for locals to gather, trade, and worship.
New Hope’s economy was initially based on farming, with tobacco, cotton, and corn being the primary crops grown. Like many rural communities in Tennessee, New Hope has experienced limited growth, with the town remaining a quiet, unincorporated area. Its rural character and proximity to natural resources like the Buffalo River and the Tennessee River make it a desirable location for people seeking a rural lifestyle while being within reach of the amenities offered in Linden and other nearby towns.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Hope is served by the Perry County School District, with students attending schools in Linden, including Perry County High School. There are no major educational institutions within New Hope itself, but the community is closely connected to the schools in Linden. The town’s key landmarks are tied to its rural setting and include churches, local farms, and natural sites like the Buffalo River. The river provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Though New Hope does not have many distinct commercial landmarks, its proximity to the larger community of Linden allows residents to enjoy the more extensive services, dining options, and shopping available in the county seat. The natural beauty of the area, including access to local parks and recreation areas, is a major draw for those who appreciate a slower pace of life and the peace of rural Tennessee.
Shady Grove, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 37096
- Latitude: 35.6543° N
- Longitude: 87.8915° W
Location and History
Shady Grove is another small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Perry County, Tennessee. Situated near the intersection of Highway 13 and State Route 50, Shady Grove is a quiet rural area that retains much of its historical charm. Settled in the early 19th century, the community was named for the shady groves of trees that surround the area, offering respite from the hot summer sun. Originally, Shady Grove was a small agricultural settlement, with residents growing tobacco, corn, and vegetables to sustain their families and provide for local markets.
Over the years, the town grew modestly, though it never expanded into a major center of commerce or industry. Today, Shady Grove remains a peaceful, tight-knit community where residents continue to engage in farming and local trade. The surrounding landscape, with its hills and forests, offers beautiful views and serves as a major draw for those seeking a rural lifestyle. Despite its small size, Shady Grove has maintained its strong sense of community, with local churches and family-run businesses providing the backbone for its social structure.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shady Grove is served by the Perry County School District, with students attending schools in Linden, such as Perry County High School. The community does not have its own school but is part of the district’s rural network of students. The town is home to several small businesses, churches, and family farms that reflect its agricultural roots. One of Shady Grove’s most notable landmarks is the nearby Tennessee River, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding natural beauty, including dense woods and rolling hills, makes Shady Grove an attractive place for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature. Though the community lacks large-scale commercial infrastructure, it benefits from its proximity to the larger town of Linden, where residents can access more urban amenities while enjoying the tranquility of rural life.
