Lauderdale County

Lauderdale County is a county in western Tennessee located along the Mississippi River. The area is shaped by river valleys and contains farmland along three major waterways: the Mississippi, Forked Deer, and Hatchie Rivers.

The county was created in 1835 by the Tennessee General Assembly from parts of neighboring counties and named after Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale. Its establishment reflected growing settlement in the region at that time.

The Veterans Museum in Halls tells stories of military service through exhibits and personal accounts spanning over a century. Visitors can see how soldiers lived and worked in this region during different periods of conflict.

Ripley serves as the county seat and provides administrative services and schools for the area. The region is best explored by car since it is rural and spread out.

Parts of the county, including Forked Deer Island, now sit west of the Mississippi River due to natural shifts in the river over time. This geographical change is visible to those exploring the riverbanks.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: 1835

Capital city: Ripley

Shares border with: Dyer County, Tipton County, Crockett County, Haywood County, Mississippi County

Website: https://lauderdalecountytn.org

GPS coordinates: 35.76000,-89.63000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28