Graves County, Kentucky
Graves County sits in the Jackson Purchase region of western Kentucky, where agriculture plays a major role in everyday life. Tobacco and corn are among the county’s important crops, giving the area a strong rural character.
Mayfield, the county seat, is home to the colorful Wooldridge Monuments, a fascinating collection of life-sized statues located in the city cemetery. Unusual? Absolutely. Interesting? Without a doubt. The monuments give Mayfield a distinctive attraction that visitors are unlikely to forget.
If you’re in the area in August, Fancy Farm’s Picnic is a major local event that brings together food, community, and Kentucky politics. Politicians and candidates regularly take the stage, while crowds enjoy barbecue and the lively atmosphere.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Graves County |
| County Seat | Mayfield |
| Population | Approximately 37,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mayfield, Wingo, Fancy Farm, Symsonia, Hickory |
| Interstates and Highways | Purchase Parkway (I-69), US-45, US-51, KY-80 |
| FIPS Code | 21-083 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 557 sq mi (Land: 552 sq mi; Water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | McCracken County (North), Marshall County (Northeast), Calloway County (Southeast), Henry County, Tennessee (Southeast), Weakley County, Tennessee (South), Hickman County (Southwest), Carlisle County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 36.7417° N, 88.6345° W |
| Etymology | Named after Major Benjamin Franklin Graves, a soldier in the War of 1812 |
| Major Landmarks | Wooldridge Monuments, Kess Creek Park, Graves County Courthouse |
