Sixty Beds, a Straight-A Report Card, and an Hour to a Level 1: Why Shelbyville Health Care Punches Above Its Weight

Shelbyville's health care runs through Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, a 60-bed facility Vanderbilt University Medical Center bought in 2021 that carries straight-A Leapfrog safety grades and a 2025 Zero Harm Award, backed by urgent care, local clinics, and a Level 1 trauma center an hour north.

Read Full Story 2026-10-22

Local History

Tops for Model Ts, Cord for a War, and Three Army-Navy E's: The Mill on the Duck

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Living in Shelbyville

Eight Gigabits, Sixty Miles, and No State Income Tax: Why Remote Workers Keep Picking Shelbyville

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Living in Shelbyville

Priced Out of Nashville, Sold on the Duck River: Why Shelbyville, Tennessee Belongs on Your Shortlist

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Local History

A Gate Every Five Miles: How Shelbyville's Toll Road Boom Left Pikes All Over the Bedford County Map

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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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