According to anycountyprivateschools.com, Benton County, Tennessee is located in the northwest part of the state and is bordered by Henry, Humphreys, Carroll, Decatur and Hardin counties. The county seat is Camden, and the population was approximately 16,000 as of the 2010 census. Benton County has a total area of 515 square miles with two rivers running through it. The Tennessee River forms its western border while the Obion River runs through its eastern portion. The terrain is mostly hilly with some flat land in the northern part of the county. Agriculture is an important part of Benton County’s economy with soybeans and corn being among the primary crops grown in this area. In addition to farming, there are also several industries present in Benton County such as automotive parts manufacturing, wood products production and food processing. Tourism also plays a role in Benton County’s economy as visitors come to take advantage of its numerous outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting and boating on Kentucky Lake or spending time at some of its many parks such as Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park or Bethel University Recreational Park. Education is also important to Benton County as it boasts two public school systems – Camden Central High School and Big Sandy High School – along with several private schools.
History of Benton County, Tennessee
Benton County, Tennessee has a long and rich history that can be traced back to the early 1800s. The county was formed in 1835 from portions of Henry, Humphreys, Carroll and Decatur counties. It was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a Senator from Missouri who was an advocate of westward expansion. In the beginning, Benton County’s economy relied heavily on agriculture with cotton being the primary crop grown in this area. Later on, tobacco and corn were added to the list of crops grown in the county. By the mid-1800s, Benton County had become home to several small towns such as Camden, Big Sandy and Holladay.
The Civil War had a major impact on Benton County as Union forces occupied it for two years during the conflict. After the war ended, many former slaves moved to Benton County where they established their own churches and schools. During this time period, industries such as sawmills, grist mills and tanneries began popping up throughout the county. These industries provided jobs for many people in the area and helped spur economic growth in Benton County.
In 1903, Kentucky Lake was created when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dammed up the Tennessee River near Camden. This new lake provided much needed recreation opportunities for residents of Benton County as well as visitors from other parts of Tennessee and beyond. Today, Kentucky Lake is still a popular spot for fishing, boating and other outdoor activities.
In recent years, Benton County has continued to grow economically with several new industries located here including automotive parts manufacturing companies and food processing plants. Tourism also plays an important role in Benton County’s economy with visitors coming to take advantage of its numerous outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing or spending time at some of its parks like Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park or Bethel University Recreational Park.
Major cities and towns in Benton County, Tennessee
According to abbreviationfinder, Benton County, Tennessee is home to several cities and towns that have rich histories and unique cultures. The county seat is Camden, which was established in 1836. This small town has a population of just over 6,000 and is known for its charming downtown area which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The town also has an active arts scene with several galleries, museums, and performance venues.
Big Sandy is another town located in Benton County. It was founded in the late 1800s as a trading post for local farmers and merchants. Today, it has a population of nearly 1,500 people and serves as the hub for many of the county’s agricultural activities. The town also hosts an annual bluegrass festival every year that draws visitors from all over the region.
Holladay is another small community located in Benton County with a population of just over 600 people. This picturesque town has remained largely unchanged since its founding in 1881 and features many historic homes and buildings along its main street. Holladay also boasts a vibrant arts community with several galleries, museums, and performance venues that draw visitors from across the state.
The city of Buchanan is located on the northern edge of Benton County near Kentucky Lake. It was founded in 1836 as a river port on the Tennessee River but today it serves mainly as a bedroom community for those commuting to larger cities like Nashville or Memphis. Although Buchanan does not have many attractions within city limits there are plenty of nearby outdoor activities such as fishing or boating on Kentucky Lake or visiting Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park which is located just outside of town.
Finally, there’s Springville which lies on the eastern edge of Benton County near Big Sandy Creek State Park. Established in 1877 this small city has grown significantly over the years with its population now exceeding 2,500 people making it one of Benton Counties largest cities. Springville features several historic homes and buildings as well as an active arts scene with several galleries and performance venues throughout town making it worth exploring if you’re ever visiting this part of Tennessee.
Population in Benton County, Tennessee
Benton County, Tennessee is located in the northwest corner of the state, just a short drive from nearby cities like Nashville and Memphis. It is home to a population of just over 47,000 people according to the most recent census data. The county has a diverse population with residents coming from all walks of life and different socio-economic backgrounds.
The largest city in Benton County is Camden which has a population of around 6,200 people. Camden serves as the county seat and features several historic buildings and homes as well as an active arts scene with several galleries and performance venues throughout town. Other notable cities in Benton County include Big Sandy, Holladay, Buchanan, and Springville. Big Sandy is home to nearly 1,500 people while Holladay has a population of just over 600 people. Buchanan has a population of around 3,500 while Springville’s population exceeds 2,500 making it one of the larger cities in Benton County.
The majority of Benton County residents identify as white (over 87%), followed by African American (around 8%) and Hispanic (just under 4%). The median household income for Benton County is around $44 thousand per year while the median home value sits at around $134 thousand dollars according to Zillow Real Estate Data. The unemployment rate for Benton County sits at 3% which is lower than the national average and indicates that there are plenty of job opportunities available in the local area for those looking for work.
Benton County offers its residents a safe place to live with plenty of job opportunities available plus lots of attractions and activities within reach such as outdoor recreation spots like Kentucky Lake or Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park or art galleries and performance venues scattered throughout towns like Camden or Holladay. With its diverse population mix and low unemployment rate, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call this part of Tennessee home.