Cities and Towns in Fulton County, Kentucky
Founded in 1845, Fulton County is one of 120 counties in the state of Kentucky. Historically, Fulton County was formed from Hickman County. The city of Hickman is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Fulton County has a population of 6,512 and area of 209 square miles (541 km²).
List of all cities in Fulton County, KY alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Cayce, KY | 42041 | 270 |
Crutchfield, KY | 42041 | 270 |
Fulton, KY | 42041 | 270 |
Hickman, KY | 42050 | 270 |
Major Cities and Towns in Fulton County, Kentucky
Fulton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,200 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42041
- Latitude: 36.5126° N
- Longitude: 88.8742° W
Location and History
Fulton is a city located in the southwestern corner of Fulton County, right on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Historically, Fulton is known as the “Banana Capital of the World” due to its role in the banana trade in the early 20th century. During that time, Fulton was a major hub for the Illinois Central Railroad, and millions of bananas passed through the town on their way from the Gulf of Mexico to cities in the northern United States. Founded in the mid-19th century, the town flourished with the development of the railroad and grew into a small but important trade center in western Kentucky. While rail traffic has decreased, Fulton remains a proud community that celebrates its railroad and banana trade heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fulton is served by the Fulton Independent School District, with Fulton Independent High School and Carr Elementary School being the primary institutions for local education. The city’s most famous landmark is the annual International Banana Festival, which celebrates Fulton’s unique history with the fruit. Another notable landmark is the Twin Cities Railroad Museum, which highlights the town’s railroad past and its role in the region’s development. Fulton is also close to the Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tennessee, providing access to outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and bird watching. The town’s historic downtown area retains much of its early 20th-century charm.
Hickman
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,300 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42050
- Latitude: 36.5707° N
- Longitude: 89.1881° W
Location and History
Hickman, the county seat of Fulton County, is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, making it one of the few Kentucky cities situated along this iconic river. Established in the early 19th century, Hickman was a key port town due to its access to the Mississippi River, which facilitated the trade of goods such as cotton and tobacco. During the Civil War, Hickman played a strategic role because of its location, and Union forces occupied the town to control the river. After the war, Hickman continued to grow as a riverport and agricultural center. Today, the town maintains its rich heritage while serving as a quiet riverside community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hickman is part of the Fulton County School District, with students attending Fulton County High School and Fulton County Elementary School. One of the most significant landmarks in the town is the Hickman Riverport, which continues to support local industries with river transport services. The historic Fulton County Courthouse, located downtown, is another notable landmark that reflects the town’s historical importance. The town’s proximity to the Mississippi River offers residents and visitors opportunities for fishing, boating, and bird watching. Nearby, Columbus-Belmont State Park provides historical exhibits related to the Civil War and features scenic views of the Mississippi River.
Cayce
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 0.4 square miles
- Population: Around 150 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 42041
- Latitude: 36.5529° N
- Longitude: 88.9417° W
Location and History
Cayce is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwestern part of Fulton County, near the Tennessee state line. The town is named after Casey Jones, a legendary railroad engineer known for his heroic efforts to save lives during a train collision in 1900. Cayce’s history is closely tied to the railroad industry, much like other towns in Fulton County, as it was once a stop along the Illinois Central Railroad. Over the years, Cayce has remained a quiet, rural community, with agriculture playing a key role in the local economy. The town has retained much of its small-town charm and rural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cayce is part of the Fulton County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Hickman, including Fulton County High School. One of the key landmarks in the area is the Casey Jones Memorial, which commemorates the life and legacy of the famous railroad engineer. The surrounding rural landscape, with its farms and fields, is also a defining feature of the community, reflecting its agricultural roots. Cayce’s proximity to larger towns like Fulton and Hickman allows residents to enjoy a rural lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities and historical attractions like the Twin Cities Railroad Museum and the Mississippi River.
Water Valley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2023)
- Zip Codes: 42085
- Latitude: 36.5657° N
- Longitude: 88.8306° W
Location and History
Water Valley is a small town in southern Fulton County, situated close to the Tennessee border. The town was incorporated in 1880 and developed as a rural agricultural center, with a focus on tobacco, corn, and livestock farming. Water Valley was once served by the Illinois Central Railroad, which connected it to larger markets and helped sustain its economy. Like many small towns in the region, Water Valley experienced growth during the heyday of railroads but saw a decline as the importance of rail transport diminished. Despite its small size, Water Valley remains a close-knit community that celebrates its rural heritage and history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Water Valley is served by the Fulton County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Hickman and Fulton, including Fulton County High School. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Water Valley Presbyterian Church, which has been a central part of the community since the late 19th century. The town’s rural surroundings, with farms and open fields, are a defining feature of the area, providing a peaceful, agricultural environment. Water Valley’s proximity to Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tennessee offers residents access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The town also celebrates its history with local community events and gatherings.