Graves County

Graves County is an administrative division in western Kentucky covering roughly 560 square miles in the Jackson Purchase region. The landscape is dominated by farmland and fields that form the backbone of the local economy.

The county was established in 1824 and named after Major Benjamin Franklin Graves, who died during the War of 1812. This naming honored a military figure important to the region's early development.

Local farmers maintain strong agricultural traditions through tobacco cultivation, dairy operations, and annual harvest celebrations that connect generations of residents.

Mayfield, the county seat, provides government services, healthcare, and schools for local residents. Most locations are easily accessible by car since the area is predominantly rural.

A religious community came into conflict with local authorities over the requirement to display orange safety triangles on horse-drawn buggies. The dispute highlighted tensions between modern traffic safety rules and traditional religious practices.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: 1824

Capital city: Mayfield

Shares border with: McCracken County, Marshall County, Calloway County, Henry County, Weakley County, Hickman County, Carlisle County

Website: http://gravescountyky.com

GPS coordinates: 36.72000,-88.65000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:22