Paris, Tennessee will soon be celebrating their bicentennial!
In December of 1822, 50 acres of land in central Henry County were donated for the formation of the County’s new Seat, Paris. Between March and April of 1823, the town’s square was laid out, and more than 100 lots were auctioned off. Paris, named after the French Capital, officially became the first West Tennessee city to be incorporated in September, 1823.
The Henry County Courthouse, at the time of this writing, is the oldest judicial building still in operation in West Tennessee. Construction finished on the Town Square’s centerpiece in 1897, in the place where the previous Courthouse stood since the 1850s.
In the years prior to the construction of the current Courthouse, Town Square, as we see it today, was taking shape after construction of a new railroad brought many new business opportunities to the area. Alongside the farming and sale of tobacco and cotton, lumber mills and various factories began their operations in Paris. As the City grew, banks, shops, and other businesses found a home Downtown.
Many of the buildings on the Northern and Eastern side of Town Square are original to their mid-19th Century construction. Some of the businesses that currently occupy these historic buildings include The Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant, The Toggery at Bo & Co. Boutique, Hallmark, and Commercial Bank & Trust.
Over the almost Two Centuries since its founding, Paris has steadily grown. The city has gone from a few humble acres of raw land to nearly 13 square miles in size. Its population is currently just over 10,000 residents, per current census data.
Paris is home to some locally significant events throughout the year. Each Spring, the City hosts its annual World’s Biggest Fish Fry – a multi-day event where the main fare served is Catfish (several tons worth annually). The Fish Fry typically includes several festivities, such as a parade, a beauty pageant, and a carnival. Historically, there are also other events held at the Henry County Fairgrounds during the Fish Fry, like rodeos, demolition derbies, and live music.
Each Summer, the highly active Paris/Henry County Chamber of Commerce puts on a multi-day music festival called the Tennessee River Jam. This event features live concerts by acts ranging from high profile Country Music artists to widely talented local musicians across several venues around Henry County. These venues include Downtown Paris, Breakers Marina, Blues Landing, Eiffel Tower Park, and Paris Landing State Park, to name a few.
The city is home to some remarkable individuals, as well. One notable resident, local business owner and all-around renaissance man, Dan Knowles, has commemorated Paris with several murals painted throughout town over the past few years. His latest work is a painting in honor of the Town’s Bicentennial, that features a breathtaking interpretation of historic Downtown Paris in the background, with a locomotive and several 19th century-period individuals in the foreground. During the Holiday Season, Mr. Knowles paints a Christmas mural on the front glass of the Hallmark Store. Dan’s business is Knowles String Instrument, located at 107 E. Ruff Street, Paris, TN 38242.
Paris, Tennessee is certainly a delightful place. After 200 years, the town has been able to grow and innovate, while still cherishing its historic roots. As it passes through this bicentennial year, Paris will undoubtedly continue to prosper well into more centennials to come.
Click here to learn more about Paris, Tennessee and Henry County.