Perry, FL

Perry is a city located in Marion County, Florida. The population was 14,898 at the 2010 census. Perry is part of the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The history of Perry can be traced back to 1853 when John W. Perry and his wife, Nancy, settled on a tract of land east of what is now downtown Perry. In 1854 they built a cabin on their land and called it " Perryville". In 1857 they erected a store near their cabin and began trading with settlers who had moved into the area. In 1860 John W. Perry built a sawmill on the banks of the Withlacoochee River and began manufacturing lumber for sale in Marion County and neighboring counties. The mill continued to operate until 1965.

In 1865 James Hogg acquired 160 acres south of what is now downtown Perry from John W. Perry for $1,000; this land would later become known as Hoggtown Village. James Hogg opened a general store in 1865 and soon became one of the leading businessmen in Marion County. He also operated a cotton gin, raised cattle, grew crops, and operated a ferry across the Withlacoochee River which served as an important transportation link between Marion County and neighboring counties until 1909 when the construction of Interstate 4 made travel by automobile more convenient.

In 1870 Atherton Mill was constructed on Mill Creek just north of what is now downtown Perry; this mill processed lumber from nearby forests into building materials used throughout Marion County and adjacent counties until it closed in 1957 due to competition from other mills which were able to process wood more efficiently using modern equipment. Atherton Mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 but has since been demolished..

In 1886 Jotham Bixby purchased 160 acres south of what is now downtown Perry from James Hogg for $5,000; this land would later become known as Bixbytown Village.. Jotham Bixby opened a general store in 1886 which quickly became one of the leading businesses in Marion County; he also operated a cotton gin, raised cattle, grew crops, ran an ice plant which supplied blocks of ice to local businesses during winter months,and operated a ferry across the Withlacoochee River which served as an important transportation link between Marion County and neighboring counties until 1909 when the construction of Interstate 4 made travel by automobile more convenient.. In 1912 Jotham Bixby sold his business interests to Frank Pritchett who continued operating it under various names until 1972 when it was sold to its present owner who continues operating it under that name today.. The original building that housed Jotham Bixby's general store still stands today (2006) at 707 S Main Street (SR-92), just north-eastof downtown Perry.. It has been restoredand houses several small businesses including an antique shop.. . . . .

Today (2006), commercial development dominates muchof central Perry with numerous strip malls , big box stores , restaurants , motels , office buildings , etc... However there are several historic districts within town that retain some degreeof character including: Downtown Historic District ( bounded by US-27/SR-92/ Ocala Avenue/Commerce Street ), Hoggtown Village Historic District ( bounded by SR-92/Commerce Street/Hogtown Creek ),BixbytownVillageHistoricDistrict( bounded by Commerce Street/Hogtown Creek/US-27 ),Pritchett Place Historic District( bounded by US 27 / Commerce St / Pritchett Place )