Haywood County, Tennessee

Haywood County, Tennessee

General Information
Name	Haywood County, Tennessee
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	35.5833°N 89.2833°W
Map
Population
Total	17,864
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Haywood County is a county located in the western part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,864. Its county seat and largest city is Brownsville.

History

Haywood County was established in 1823 and named in honor of John Haywood, a judge and historian who was known as the "father of Tennessee history." The county was formed from parts of Madison and Tipton counties.

The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War, where it was a site of several skirmishes and military activities. The county's economy was historically based on agriculture, particularly cotton farming, which was supported by the labor of enslaved African Americans prior to the Civil War.

Geography

Haywood County is situated in the western part of Tennessee, part of the Mississippi Delta region. It covers a total area of 534 square miles, of which 533 square miles is land and 1 square mile is water. The county is characterized by its flat to gently rolling terrain, which is typical of the region.

The county is bordered by Crockett County to the north, Madison County to the east, Hardeman County to the south, and Fayette County to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Haywood County had a population of 17,864. The county has a diverse population with a significant African American community, reflecting its historical roots in the plantation economy.

The county's population density is relatively low, with a rural character that is common in this part of Tennessee. The economy has diversified over the years, but agriculture remains an important sector.

Economy

Historically, Haywood County's economy was dominated by agriculture, particularly cotton farming. In recent years, the economy has diversified to include manufacturing, retail, and services. The county is also part of the Memphis metropolitan area, which provides additional economic opportunities.

Education

Haywood County is served by the Haywood County School District, which provides public education from kindergarten through high school. The district includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Haywood High School.

Government

The county government is based in Brownsville, the county seat. The government structure includes a county mayor and a board of commissioners. The county provides various services to its residents, including law enforcement, emergency services, and public health.

Also see

• Brownsville, Tennessee
• Madison County, Tennessee
• Tipton County, Tennessee
• Crockett County, Tennessee
• Fayette County, Tennessee