Reilly Springs circa 1920

Reilly Springs was named for springs located on land belonging to settler James Reilly. Mr. Reilly moved to the area in 1841. As of the 1850s twelve more families had moved to the community. The first gin and mill was built in 1867. It burned. A second gin, three stories tall, was built. The third floor was the Masonic Hall. This gin also burned. A third gin was then built in the same location.

A post office was established in 1871. It was discontinued in 1906, reestablished in 1906, and finally discontinued in 1940.

Reilly Springs Presbyterian Church was organized in 1870. A Baptist Church was organized in 1897.

Methodist Church.

Reilly Springs School was built in 1916.

This store was built in 1899. The second floor was stocked with coffins
and other items used in funerals. The horse drawn hearse
was kept at the home across the road from the store.

Reilly Springs Boys Basketball team 1920-1921. This team
won the County Tournament. Members (L-R) Hubert Swindell,
Elam Caldwell, Lute Gentry, Isam Jones, & Bethel Boggs.

Daniel N. C. McDonald holding his son, Neil Luther
McDonald. McDonald led a wagon train to Reilly
Springs in 1866-67 from Neshoba County, Mississippi.

The Ed Starrett Store in Reilly Springs.
The Reilly Springs Jamboree was launched, from this store, in the 1950s.