Bedford County, Tennessee

Bedford County sits in the heart of Tennessee, surrounded by rolling farmland and wide-open countryside. Agriculture is a big part of life here, while local festivals and community events help bring residents together throughout the year.

Shelbyville, the county seat, is famously known as the “Walking Horse Capital of the World.” Each year, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration attracts visitors from across the country and puts the community in the spotlight.

The Duck River winds through the county, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the outdoors. History buffs can explore several Civil War sites, while nearby whiskey distilleries provide another reason to visit. And when the sun sets over the farmland, the views are pretty hard to beat.

CategoryDetails
County NameBedford County
County SeatShelbyville
PopulationApproximately 53,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesShelbyville, Bell Buckle, Wartrace
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 41A, State Highway 64, State Highway 82
FIPS Code47-003
Total Area (Land and Water)475 square miles (474 sq mi land, 1 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Rutherford County (North), Coffee County (East), Moore County (Southeast), Lincoln County (South), Marshall County (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateTennessee
Coordinates35°29’N, 86°27’W
EtymologyNamed after Thomas Bedford, an early settler
Major LandmarksTennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, Bell Buckle Historic District
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