The Perry County Historical Society compiled a brochure for Perry County in 2018, which resulted in a Driving Tour Map. The settlement of Perry County goes back to the very early 1800's, and was divided several times as settlers moved westward. More information is available on the website for the Tennessee Historical Society page for Perry County, as compiled by Mr. Gus Steele, which makes for very interesting reading.
When the bridge on Hwy 13 leading to Flatwoods needed to be replaced, TDOT discovered the area was rich in Paleo-Indian artifacts that even date to the Historic era. Watch the video TDOT News created to finally explain what they were doing almost 10 years ago, that was a very hush hush project because of its importance to the history of this State.
Family cemeteries have been long considered the best way to research a family tree, and Perry County has over 125 burial sites, named after various families who settled Perry County even before it became an official county in Tennessee. Be sure to visit our website page where you will find links to the official TNGen website for Perry County.
Pinckney's Tomb is considered to be the largest grave house in Tennessee. The grave house is a limestone and wood structure that covders the burial site of a local farmer, Pinckney Hufstedler, and members of his family. It was originally built as a graveyard for about 10 to 12 burials, surrounded by a wall of cut stone almost 5 feet high. Wooden walls and a roof were added because of Pinckney Hufstedler's fears that water could get into his tomb.
Linden is actually the fourth seat of government for Perry County. When the county was organized in 1819, it included what is now Decatur County on the western side of the Tennessee. The first court met at the home of James Dixon on Lick Creek, and then a site was chosen on the river for the county seat and named it “Perryville.” After the lands west of the river were ceded to Decatur County in 1846, the small settlement of Harrisburg, a few miles south of Linden, was made the new county seat. Two years later, county residents voted to move the county government to Linden.
One of the oldest houses in Perry County, Tennessee, the James Dickson House, built in 1819, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. According to local history, the first county court of Perry County met here the first Monday in January 1820, following the creation of the county by the Tennessee General Assembly late in 1819.
Many people still like to do their research the old fashioned way, by hand or, rather, in person. Best place to start is the Perry County Historical Society, located in the main branch of the Perry County Library, in Linden, Tennessee. Records have been transferred to microfiche and a reader is available to aid researchers.
As part of a project to preserve the history of Lobelville, a video was created from a slideshow made by Mr. Hugh Fisher, who would present his narrated slideshow to school children in the Lobelville schools. This video was created in 2007 by the Perry County Historical Society in conjunction with PatVB Web Design and the City of Lobelville.
Visitors will find several ways to enjoy their visit to Perry County. Lobelville is home to many Mennonite families, most of whom are on Russell Creek, and Cane Creek. There are fresh vegetables, sorghum and meat, all in season to be sure. Cane Creek Store offers many old fashioned goods not found in your local grocery. Martin's Greenhouse is a favorite for spring plantings. Be sure to call the Chamber of Commerce ahead to find out what is available when you plan to make your visit to Perry County.
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