Located just outside of the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Memphis, Collierville has successfully blended the old with the new. With its beautiful renovated buildings the historic Town Square offers a mix of charming antique stores, restaurants, gift and specialty stores, clothiers and an array of professional services. Pedestrian friendly streets and lazy park benches add to the hometown atmosphere allowing the public to appreciate its history. It is the second oldest town in Shelby County. Collierville received its name when Jesse R. Collier, an entrepreneur, laid out a tract of land into lots in 1836. He then advertised in the Memphis Enquirer “The Town of Collier for Sale”. Visit: www.colliervillechamber.com

Historic Sites Depot Two battles and two small skirmishes of the American Civil War occurred late in 1863 at Collierville. It is believed that the town has had three depots. The first was built in 1852 located on the North side of the railroad tracks between Center and Walnut streets. The Battle of Collierville was centered around this depot where Sherman’s train arrived from Memphis on October 11th, 1863. The second depot was located where Center Street now crosses the tracks. In the mid 1940’s the existing depot was moved from LaGrange, TN and located east of Center Street on the north side of the railroad tracks. In 1976 Southern Railroad gave the depot to the Town of Collierville and it was moved to its present location in 1977. Confederate Park Tradition has it that the Irby and the Leake families gave the land on which the Confederate Park is built to the town soon after its incorporation in 1870. The sidewalks in the park are laid out in the form of a Confederate flag. Today the park is used for social, political and religious functions. Magnolia Cemetery Magnolia Cemetery is nestled among large magnolia trees from which it received its name. The first deed recorded for the cemetery was on May 18, 1878, in the Register’s office of Shelby County, Tennessee. A range of different tombstones are seen throughout the cemetery. There are columns, arches, shafts of marble, pedestals, heavy granite squares, emblems and delicately carved figures. In 1862 a young boy was wounded in the Battle of Collierville. He later died and was buried under the large oak tree. His grave is marked “Unknown Confederate Soldier”. It is probable there are many more soldiers buried that were never identified.

Stagecoach Stop

Built in 1851 by William W. Talley, this log cabin was used as the Collierville area’s stagecoach stop for many years. It was once located on property now occupied by PepsiAmericas Bottling Company. The log structure was relocated and restored in 1977 by grants by the National Can Corporation and the Mississippi-Arkansas-Tennessee Corporation.

Train Display

Located near the Depot is a steam engine built in 1912 for the Frisco Railroad. The engine, No. 1351, weighs approximately 230 tons. Among many other duties it pulled troop trains during World War II. The engine was retired in 1952. Also on display are the executive railcar, “The Savannah” which was built in 1915, and a caboose. The railcar interior is virtually intact with minimal alterations to the 1915-era construction. The Savannah was designed for the comfort and convenience of the railroad executives as they traveled the lines. It includes two suites, dining room, kitchen, observation room, valet’s room and crew’s quarters.

Collierville Parks and Recreation

If you enjoy the outdoors Collierville offers an abundance of beautiful neighborhood parks, some of the finest athletic fields, as well as beautiful Greenbelt trails. Many parks are available for sporting events and family picnics.

• H.W. Cox Community Center
  
  This recreational facility opened in 1984 and consists of approximately 31,000 square feet including a gym, two racquetball courts, meeting rooms and kitchen. The center also has a cardiovascular area.
  
  
• The Harrell Performing Arts Theatre
  
  This auditorium seats 352 with state-of-the-art light and sound systems. It is available for rentals and is used frequently for instructional courses including acting, drama, guitar, piano and voice lessons. The Collierville Arts Council stages approximately five productions each year including plays and concert series. Visit: www.colliervilleparks.org
  

Events

• Fair on the Square
  
  Enjoy this annual event that was first held in 1976 in celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial. The Fair has become a tradition and is held the first weekend in May. Visit: www.colliervillefaironthesquare.org
  
  
• Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series
  
  Another wonderful tradition held every year during June and July. Locals, and residents from nearby communities, have come to know that 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings is the time to gather at the bandstand in the Historic Town Square. The bring their lawn chairs and picnic baskets to listen to a variety of musical groups. Visit: www.mainstreetcollierville.com
  
  
• Downtown Collierville for the Holidays
  
  Beginning December 1st through New Year’s Eve is the time to visit Downtown Collierville with its festive decorations, unique stores and restaurants all decorated for the Holidays.
  

Economic – Major Employers

• Largest Manufacturers/Distributors
  • Carrier Corporation
  • Alpha Corporation
  • PepsiAmericas
  • Bodine Company
  • ConStar Plastics
  • CCL Label
  • IPS Corporation
  • American Marsh Pumps
  • Strike King Lure Company
    
    
• Largest Non-Manufacturing
  • FedEx World Tech Center
  • Town of Collierville
  • Baptist Memorial Hospital
  • Helena Chemical
  • AIMS Logistic