Lewis County, Tennessee
Lewis County sits in the heart of Tennessee, roughly halfway between Nashville and Memphis. The county gets its name from Meriwether Lewis, the famous explorer who was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Hohenwald serves as the county seat, and its name comes from German words meaning “high forest.” That name certainly fits, with thick woods covering much of the surrounding landscape. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through the county, making for a beautiful scenic drive, especially when the leaves change in autumn.
Lewis County also has one pretty unusual attraction: The Elephant Sanctuary. Yes, actual elephants live here in Tennessee! It’s certainly not something you’d expect to find in a rural Tennessee county. Life here is generally quiet and laid-back, but that peaceful atmosphere is part of what makes Lewis County appealing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lewis County |
| County Seat | Hohenwald |
| Population | Approximately 12,500 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hohenwald |
| Interstates and Highways | State Highway 20, State Highway 99 |
| FIPS Code | 47-101 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 282 square miles (282 sq mi land, <1 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Hickman County (North), Maury County (East), Lawrence County (South), Wayne County (Southwest), Perry County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 35°32’N, 87°33’W |
| Etymology | Named after Meriwether Lewis, the famed explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition |
| Major Landmarks | Meriwether Lewis Park and Monument, Natchez Trace Parkway, Lewis County Museum |
