McKenzie during the late 1930’s. The photo captures “Mule Day”, an event where people would gather to buy and sell mules.

Originally inhabited by the Chickasaw Indian Tribe, the first settlers started moving into this area during the early 1800’s. The town of McKenzie was organized in 1867, when the Nashville and North-western Railroad completed its track and intersected with the Memphis and Ohio Railroad. The town’s name was derived from the family who previously owned the land where the railroads crossed. James Monroe McKenzie gave the property to the railroad. The town began to develop rapidly after the tracks were completed and was officially incorporated by the State of Tennessee on January 22, 1869.

The railroad drew many residents from neighboring communities, and by 1870 the population had grown to over 500 residents. In the 1880’s, the size of the town doubled and business thrived. By the turn of the century, a city park was created, public schools were built and roads were paved with gravel.

The Great Depression struck in 1929, and like most other locations, McKenzie felt the economic distress. Businesses closed their doors, and the community’s labor market had disappeared. It was not until 1936 that economic conditions began to improve. A munitions plant was constructed in Milan (approximately 20 miles from McKenzie), just before the Second World War. The plant hired thousands of workers throughout the area, and McKenzie once again underwent a growth surge. Between 1940 and 1950, the population of McKenzie increased by over 1,300 people, and was second only to Oak Ridge in growth statewide.

Keeping to its progressive roots, McKenzie continues to maintain a steady rate of growth and to be a productive and prosperous community.