[3] Shelby started in the late 1860s, following the construction of the railroad through the territory.

[5] The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad Stone Arch Viaduct, north-east of Shelby, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.74 square miles (4.51 km2), all land.

Hispanic or Latino persons of any race comprised 4.3% of the population.

27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city was 98.85% White, 0.43% Native American, and 0.72% from two or more races.

30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The city had a time capsule that was sealed on July 16, 1970, as part of Shelby's centennial celebration.

Shelby's "Centennial Time Capsule" was opened on Friday, June 25, 2021.

It was scheduled to open on July 16, 2020, but was delayed due the COVID-19 pandemic.