Perryville was a transport center for travelers and cargo between boats and railroad. It was also a port for showboats, the calliope called to the people and they care from miles around. Steamboats and tugboats transported different kinds of commerce. Mussel boats and fishing boats sustained life for many families.
The W. R. Dennison Hotel sat on the river bank near the depot and was a traveler's haven. Other businesses were Striegel and Blount Store, Riggs Barber Shop, Tillman's Store, Produce House, Will Long's Grocery(with our first soda fountain), Post Office with Jake Reynolds as postmaster, Perryville Depot with John Tinker as agent. With the coming of TVA, this area was evacuated.