Cities and Towns in Lauderdale County, Tennessee
Founded in 1835, Lauderdale County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Lauderdale County was formed from Haywood, Dyer and Tipton counties. The city of Ripley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 97, Lauderdale County has a population of 25,108 and area of 470 square miles (1,217 km²).
List of all cities in Lauderdale County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Fort Pillow, TN | 38041 | 731 |
| Gates, TN | 38037 | 731 |
| Halls, TN | 38040 | 731 |
| Henning, TN | 38041 | 731 |
| Ripley, TN | 38063 | 731 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lauderdale County, Tennessee
Lauderdale County, located in the southwestern part of Tennessee, is home to several towns and communities that have rich histories and strong agricultural roots. The county is also known for its proximity to the Mississippi River, which has significantly influenced its development over the years. Below is an overview of the major cities and towns in Lauderdale County.
Ripley
General Information
- Area: 5.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 38063
- Latitude/Longitude: 35.7464° N / 88.6623° W
City Location and History
Ripley is the county seat of Lauderdale County, located in the western part of the state near the Mississippi River. The city was founded in 1830 and named after Matthew Ripley, a U.S. Army officer. Ripley quickly grew as a trade center due to its location along the Mississippi River and its proximity to key railroads. In the mid-19th century, Ripley became an important cotton-producing area and served as a significant point for cotton trading. During the Civil War, Ripley was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces at different points, making it an important site during the conflict. In the 20th century, Ripley saw continued growth due to its role as a transportation hub for the region. The city today reflects a blend of historical significance and modern development. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, continues to be an important part of the economy, but the city has also diversified with manufacturing and retail.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ripley is served by the Lauderdale County School District, which includes Ripley High School, Ripley Middle School, and Ripley Elementary School. These schools offer a wide variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities, and Ripley High School is well-known for its athletic programs. Major landmarks in Ripley include the Lauderdale County Courthouse, an iconic building in the heart of the city. The Ripley Depot, a historic train station, serves as a reminder of Ripley’s role in the railroad industry. The George W. Lee Memorial Park, located near the city center, offers a peaceful retreat with walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. Ripley also celebrates its agricultural roots with the annual Cotton Festival, which highlights the city’s history in the cotton industry, featuring local food, music, and cultural performances.
Henning
General Information
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700
- Zip Code: 38041
- Latitude/Longitude: 35.7734° N / 88.9496° W
City Location and History
Henning is a small town located in the northeastern part of Lauderdale County, near the border with Tipton County. The town was established in the early 19th century and was named after Henning Osborne, an early settler. Henning grew as an agricultural center, with cotton and tobacco being the primary crops. Its location along the Mississippi River and the Mississippi Central Railroad allowed it to thrive as a trade and transportation hub during the 19th century. In the 20th century, the town saw gradual growth as its agricultural economy remained strong, though it never grew as large as nearby Ripley. Henning is perhaps most famous for its association with the National Civil Rights Museum, as it is close to the Fayette County area, home to significant events in the history of civil rights activism. Today, Henning remains a rural community with a focus on farming and small businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Henning is served by the Lauderdale County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Ripley and other communities in the county. Major landmarks in Henning include The Historic Henning Depot, a former railroad station that is now a museum showcasing the town’s early transportation history. Another important site is the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, located just outside Henning in Brownsville, which explores the history of the Mississippi Delta and the cultural influences of the region. Henning’s rural nature is reflected in Henning City Park, a small recreational area offering outdoor activities like sports, walking trails, and picnicking. The Tennessee Delta Heritage Festival is another important event held in Henning, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage and its ties to the Mississippi River.
Lauderdale
General Information
- Area: 0.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600
- Zip Code: 38089
- Latitude/Longitude: 35.7582° N / 88.8425° W
City Location and History
Lauderdale is a small town in the central part of Lauderdale County, Tennessee. It was established in the mid-19th century and was named after the county, which itself was named in honor of Admiral James Lauderdale. The town grew as an agricultural community, particularly focused on cotton and other crops, much like many other towns in the region. Due to its small size, Lauderdale has always maintained a quiet, rural atmosphere and has never grown as large as nearby cities such as Ripley. However, the town remains important as a farming community, and many of its residents continue to work in agriculture. Lauderdale is also part of the agricultural corridor that runs through the region, contributing to Tennessee’s overall economic output in farming. The community has grown more suburban in recent years, though its historical roots and rural traditions remain strong.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lauderdale does not have its own school system but is part of the Lauderdale County School District, with students attending schools in Ripley and other nearby towns. Key landmarks in Lauderdale include the Lauderdale County Courthouse, which is a vital part of the local government. The Lauderdale County Library, located in Ripley, serves as an important educational and cultural resource for residents of the town. The town also hosts the Lauderdale County Fair, a traditional agricultural fair showcasing the county’s farming heritage. Residents of Lauderdale also enjoy outdoor activities near the Mississippi River, including fishing and boating, thanks to the town’s proximity to the river and the surrounding natural landscapes.
Henning
General Information
- Area: 4.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Code: 38041
- Latitude/Longitude: 35.7730° N / 88.9496° W
City Location and History
Henning is a small, rural town located in the northeastern part of Lauderdale County, near the borders of Tipton and Fayette counties. The town was established in the mid-19th century as a transportation and agricultural hub. Named after Henning Osborne, an early settler, the town grew quickly due to its strategic location along the Mississippi Central Railroad. This made Henning an important point for shipping cotton, tobacco, and other agricultural products. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character while also benefiting from proximity to larger cities like Memphis. Henning is also known for its association with the National Civil Rights Museum in nearby Fayette County, linking it to some of the most significant moments in the history of civil rights in the United States. Today, Henning continues to be a small, rural town where agriculture remains a primary part of its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Henning is served by the Lauderdale County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Ripley. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is one of the town’s key landmarks, located nearby in Brownsville. This center tells the story of the Mississippi Delta region and its impact on the cultural and social development of Tennessee. The Henning Depot, once a railroad station, has been preserved as a museum, offering insight into the town’s history as a transportation hub. The Henning City Park is a local gathering spot where residents can enjoy outdoor activities. With its rural charm and proximity to the Mississippi River, Henning is a town that offers both natural beauty and deep historical roots.
