Life on the Duck: Why Shelbyville's Outdoor Frontier Makes It Tennessee's Most Underrated Place to Live

From one of North America's most biodiverse rivers to a four-star hospital, affordable housing, and a farm-to-table scene on the square, Shelbyville offers the kind of small-town quality of life that Nashville refugees spend years searching for.

Read Full Story 2026-09-11

Local History

Little Boston: The Day Ten Thousand Cavalry Rode Through a Town That Refused to Secede

2026-09-11

Relocation

The Sweet Spot: Why Shelbyville, Tennessee Is the Move You Didn't Know You Needed

2026-09-04

Living in Shelbyville

Why Shelbyville, Tennessee, Is an Easier Place to Build a Good Life

2026-09-03

Local History

The Fair That Came Back: How Bedford County Reclaimed a Piece of Shelbyville's Agricultural Soul

2026-09-03

Did You Know?

Interesting Facts About Shelbyville

Walking Horse Capital

Shelbyville is known worldwide as the "Walking Horse Capital of the World," home to the famous Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration held every August.

Founded in 1810

Shelbyville was established in 1810 and named after Isaac Shelby, the first Governor of Kentucky and a hero of the American Revolution.

~22,000 Residents

The city is home to approximately 22,000 people and serves as the county seat of Bedford County, Tennessee.

The Shelbyville Plan

The "Shelbyville Plan" refers to the iconic town square layout where the Bedford County Courthouse sits at the center of the public square, with streets and businesses radiating outward around it — a classic example of early American civic planning.

Pencil Capital of the World

Shelbyville has deep pencil manufacturing roots. The Sanford Corporation (makers of the famous "Venus" pencils) had a large plant here, and Musgrave Pencil Company — one of the last remaining American pencil manufacturers — has called Shelbyville home since 1916, still crafting pencils proudly made in the USA.

Heart of Middle Tennessee

Situated just 50 miles southeast of Nashville, Shelbyville offers small-town charm with easy access to big-city amenities along scenic US-231.

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