Unlike its railroad town neighbors, Dyersburg predates the Civil War. Established by some of West Tennessee’s first white settlers in the 1820s, Dyersburg was a steamboat town with economic growth coming down the North Forked Deer River from the Mississippi River. Today, the town’s history is well preserved in homes and historic buildings along Troy Avenue and lining the square.
History enthusiasts will enjoy a walk through the Historic Courthouse Square, where the 1911 three-story brick Dyer County Courthouse and 45 additional buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The bell tower and dome of the courthouse are original and fully functional. For Civil War historians, a trip to General Strahl’s gravesite and cannon is not to be missed. The covered bridge in Trimble, one of only three remaining in the state, is an interesting trip for visitors young and old.
The Troy Avenue Historic District’s homes were constructed between 1890 and 1940 in Victorian, Revival, bungalow and Craftsman styles. The Veterans' Museum is located on the former site of the Dyersburg Army Air Base in Halls. The Air Base at Halls was the largest combat crew training school built during the early years of World War II. Visit the Soldier in Grey, a monument to the Civil War battles that scarred the area.
The Mississippi River Trail’s pathways and bikeways course along America’s backbone, and Tennessee’s section runs through Dyersburg. Hop on at Reelfoot Lake in Tiptonville and ride for nine miles along quaint farm roads to Ridgely until you arrive in Dyersburg. Discover area wildlife at Dr. Walter E. David Wildlife Museum.
No trip to Dyersburg is complete without a visit to the Main Street Farmers Market, where every Tuesday and Saturday you can find the freshest locally grown produce. In September, visit the Dyer County Fair and Main Street Fall Festival in historic downtown Dyersburg. Located in the Dyer County Fairgrounds, Sorghum Valley is a miniature settlement in a quaint country atmosphere surrounding the Old Sorghum Mill.
