History of Perry, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 28, 2024

"Perry is a city in Taylor County, Florida, with a population of 6,898 as of the 2020 US Census. It serves as the county seat and was named after Madison Perry, the fourth governor of Florida and a Confederate colonel during the Civil War."

December 1922: Perry Massacre

In December 1922, a series of violent events known as the Perry Massacre took place after the murder of a white schoolteacher. Three Black men were lynched, and the Black community of Perry was targeted, resulting in the burning of several buildings, including the school, lodge, church, amusement hall, and homes.

1977: Taylor County High School Football

In the 1977-1978 season, Taylor County High School's Bulldogs football team were Class 3A District 3, Region 2, and State Semi-final Champions. They lost in the championship game to Bartow HS with a score of 7-0.

1978: Taylor County High School Football

The Taylor County High School Bulldogs football team were Class 3A District 3, Region 2, and State Semi-final Champions in the 1977-1978 season. They were defeated in the championship game by Bartow HS, 7-0. Additionally, in the 1978-1979 season, the team were District 3 champions and lost to Milton HS in the Regional championship game.

1979: Taylor County High School Football

In the 1978-1979 season, the Taylor County High School Bulldogs football team were crowned District 3 champions but lost to Milton HS in the Regional championship game.

1980: Taylor County High School Football

The Taylor County High School Bulldogs football team secured the District 3 championship in the 1980-1981 season. They were also the Region 2 runner-up, losing to Milton HS in the Regional championship game.

1981: Taylor County High School Football

During the 1980-1981 season, the Taylor County High School Bulldogs football team emerged as District 3 champions and Region 2 runner-up, ultimately losing to Milton HS in the Regional championship.

1997: Taylor County High School Football

The Taylor County High School Bulldogs football team won the Class 3A State Championship in the 1997-1998 season.

August 1998: Natural Gas Plant Explosion

In August 1998, an explosion at a natural gas plant in Perry, Florida, caused significant damage, injuring firefighters, destroying homes and vehicles, and leading to the evacuation of nearby residents.

1998: Taylor County High School Football

In the 1997-1998 season, the Taylor County High School Bulldogs football team achieved victory by winning the Class 3A State Championship.

2000: 2000 US Census

According to the 2000 US Census, Perry, Florida, had a population of 6,847, with 2,661 households and 1,828 families. The population density was 284.6 people per square kilometer. Racially, the city's population was 56.01% White, 41.17% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.65% of the population.

2000: 2000 US Census - Income Statistics

In 2000, Perry, Florida had a median household income of $25,986, and the median family income was $29,602. The per capita income for the city was $13,845. Around 23% of families and 28% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39% of those under 18 years old and 26.7% of those aged 65 or older.

2000: 2000 US Census - Age and Gender Demographics

In Perry, Florida, in 2000, the population's age distribution showed 28.4% under 18, 8.8% between 18 and 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 15% aged 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

2000: 2000 US Census - Household Data

In the year 2000, Perry, Florida, had 2,661 households. Out of these, 33.3% had children under 18 living in them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 23.8% were headed by a female householder without a husband, and 31.3% were non-families. Individuals made up 27% of households, and 12.4% had someone living alone aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52, and the average family size was 3.02.

2007: Florida Department of Education School Grades

For the 2007-2008 school year, the Florida Department of Education awarded a "B" grade to the Taylor County School District, with each of its four schools also receiving a "B".

2008: Florida Department of Education School Grades

For the 2007-2008 school year, the Florida Department of Education awarded a "B" grade to the Taylor County School District, with each of its four schools also receiving a "B".