Shelbyville in Bedford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Shelbyville Central High School

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 12, 2026

1. Shelbyville Central High School Marker

Inscription.
Shelbyville Central High was a public, 4~year high school that served students across Bedford County. This building was completed in 1939, opened for classes in 1940, and was occupied by the school until 1977. The facilities expanded in 1955 with the addition of a new gymnasium located next door.

The County used the properties for storage until 2021 when purchased by Gary King & his son Collin King. They remodeled the facility into a museum and named it the Garland King Museum in honor of Gary’s father who was Bedford County Fire Chief for many years. The Museum features Shelbyville & Bedford County artifacts and memorabilia collected by the King family.

Reverse Side
Shelbyville Central High moved to this location in 1939 from the old Tate School. Its curriculum was expanded to strengthen its academics, and the school was accredited by the Southern Association of Schools in 1949. Team sports also were upgraded with a new gym (multi-use cafeteria) and new football and track fields.

Six principals led the school while here: L.I. Mills (1935-47), Vernon Johnson (1948), C.O. Jett (1949-58), Bill May (1959-1965),

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James Scott (1966-75), & James Cortner (1976-1977). The Eagle was adopted as the school mascot in the early 1930s, and the sports teams became known as the Gold Eagles and Eaglettes.

Erected by Bedford County Historical Society and the SCHS class of 1962. (Marker Number 9-2023.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 35° 29.406′ N, 86° 27.742′ W. Marker is in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in Bedford County. It is at the intersection of Elm Street (U.S. 41a) and Ridgeway Ave, on the left when traveling east on Elm Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Elm Street, Shelbyville TN 37160, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 12, 2026

2. Shelbyville Central High School Marker

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John McAdams-Bedford County Training Harris High Schools Ca - 1895-1966 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Austin C. Shofner (approx. ¼ mile away); James S. Gilliland House (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Eakin-Smith Home (approx. 0.4 miles away); Confederate Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Church of the Redeemer (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Coble House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelbyville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Henry Brevard Davidson (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 12, 2026

3. Shelbyville Central High School Marker

Photographed by Tom Bosse, April 12, 2026

4. Shelbyville Central High School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 30 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 17, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.