Shelbyville is in Middle Tennessee on a Highland Rim limestone bluff upon the banks of Duck River, which flows around the southern and eastern sides of town.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.6 square miles (48.2 km2), all land.

In 1982, National Pen Corporation purchased its largest competitor, U.S. Pencil and Stationery Company.

[17] Sanford Corporation produced the Sharpie, the world's top-selling writing instrument, in the city.

[19] Other major business operations in Shelbyville include manufacturers Calsonic Kansei, Newell Rubbermaid, Cebal America, and Jostens; it is also home to a Tyson Foods facility and a distribution center for Wal-Mart, as well as several nationwide trucking businesses.

After the end of non-penal slavery in the United States the AME Church opened a school for African-American children.

This system comprises six universities, fourteen community colleges, and twenty-six technology centers.

Shelbyville was the home of Turner College, a HBCU established in October 1885 with support from the Kentucky Annual Conference AME Church.

[29] The Bedford County Post launched in August 2023 when the Shelbyville Times-Gazette closed its doors.

The film spotlights recent demographic changes in the community, with a focus on the growing number of immigrants from Latin America and Somalia (both Somalis and people from the Bantu minority ethnic group).

Filmed in 2004, it highlights the square, Capri Theater, Pope's Cafe, Central High School, Duck River Dam, TWHNC, and many other landmarks.

Shelbyville was mentioned in the lyrics of Nashville country duo Birdcloud's song "Saving Myself For Jesus"