A Glance Back In Time

The first residents of Germantown arrived in the 1820s, and with their settlement came the first churches, schools, and shops. In those early days, Germantown was known as Pea Ridge, named for the strip of land that divided the area from north to south and eventually became the railroad line. In 1825, the area took on the name Nashoba. By the 1830s, settlers began to gravitate to the still-developing area. Many of those settlers were of German origin, the possible inspiration for the name today. Incorporated in 1841, Germantown was literally on a roll with the opening of its railroad in 1852. After surviving both the Union army's occupation of the town during the Civil War, and the temporary loss of its charter during the yellow fever epidemic, Germantown settled into a peaceful hamlet occupied by more horses than people.

A century later, urbanization began to change Germantown. Since 1970, the population of Germantown has increased by more than 1,000 percent. Germantown saw a population boom in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1990 a census determined that the population was 32,893. Two years later, that number had risen to 36,055. Today the population is approximately 40,203.

With all its growth, the city has had to work hard to ensure that the quality of life Germantowners have become accustomed to is not jeopardized. The city planners, government, and residents have all pitched in ideas as well as helping hands to keep their city top-notch.

A Friendly Environment

No other community in the state devotes a higher percentage of acreage to parks. With more than 20 area parks, Germantown has ensured that every resident lives within a half-mile of one or more parks, a benefit that area residents don't take for granted. Any sunny day in Germantown will find residents exercising, walking dogs, or just enjoying a leisurely stroll through one of the city's carefully landscaped and well-maintained parks.

The Germantown Parks & Recreation Department is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies, only the fourteenth department in the country to achieve accreditation.

The environmental efforts Germantown makes are not overlooked either. A tree-protection ordinance stipulates that property developers must save as many trees as possible and replace those that are cut down during construction are replaced. This concern for the preservation of the natural beauty qualifies Germantown as an official "Tree City USA." The city is also in the process of establishing a "greenbelt" that will link much of its 521 acres of
parkland together. Germantowners are also committed to recycling, and even grasscycling, extending their environmentally-friendly ways beyond their own city limits.

Excellence in the Schools

Germantown also sets the standard in its schools, both in academics and athletics. The city's public schools consistently produce some of the highest S.A.T. and A.C.T. test scores in the nation. An active parent association also contributes to the schools' success, providing volunteers and additional resources for students and teachers.

A City That Pulls Together

Community spirit is not limited to Germantown area schools though. Every fall thousands of participants gather for the "Race for the Cure," one of 75 races held nationwide benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Race for the Cure participation has increased steadily over the past few years.

Another popular event is the Germantown Charity Horse Show. As Germantown's longest-running event, the Horse Show is eagerly anticipated by riders and onlookers alike.

The Arts Scene

Germantown is home to some of the finest facilities in the Mid-South. Germantown's state-of-the-art performance space, the Germantown Performing Arts Centre, has been host to famous names such as Ray Charles, the Boston Pops, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and Mikhail Baryshnikov's White Oak Dance Project.

The Morgan Woods Theatre stages a number of of quality productions featuring the area's youngest talented faces. The Germantown Symphony Orchestra and the Community Chorus give music buffs something to look forward to every year as well. When it comes to the arts, Germantown sets the stage.