The Archer boys were accused of torturing and killing a local farmer and were hanged from trees in front of the jail in 1886.

[10] Shoals is known for making mother of pearl buttons during the early 20th century.

[10] Shoals is located south of the center of Martin County.

The East Fork of the White River flows through the center of town, running south and west to join the White River northeast of Petersburg.

Routes 50 and 150 pass through the center of Shoals as 4th Street, leading west 7 miles (11 km) to Loogootee, the only city in the county.

[1] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

46.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

38.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Shoals' major employers are the gypsum mines that were discovered in the mid-20th century.

The National Gypsum mine is located 2 miles (3 km) east of Shoals and is the United States' deepest at 515 feet (157 m).