Cities and Towns in Obion County, Tennessee
Founded in 1823, Obion County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Obion County was formed from Indian lands. The city of Union City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 131, Obion County has a population of 30,466 and area of 545 square miles (1,412 km²).
List of all cities in Obion County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Hornbeak, TN | 38232 | 731 |
| Obion, TN | 38240 | 731 |
| Rives, TN | 38253 | 731 |
| Samburg, TN | 38254 | 731 |
| South Fulton, TN | 38257 | 731 |
| Troy, TN | 38260 | 731 |
| Union City, TN | 38261 | 731 |
| 38281 | 731 | |
| Woodland Mills, TN | 38271 | 731 |
Major Cities and Towns in Obion County, Tennessee
Union City, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 17.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,000
- Zip Codes: 38261
- Latitude: 36.4232° N
- Longitude: 88.9181° W
Location and History
Union City is the largest city and the county seat of Obion County, located in the northwestern part of Tennessee, about 120 miles north of Memphis and near the Kentucky border. The city was founded in 1823 and named for the fact that it was the meeting point of several important roads in the region, making it a natural center for trade. Union City’s early economy was based on agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and the area became known for its fertile soil and access to transportation routes such as the Mississippi River. As the railroad expanded through the area in the late 19th century, Union City experienced growth and transformation, becoming a key hub for regional commerce.
During the 20th century, the city developed into a center for light industry and manufacturing, further boosting its economy. Though Union City has a relatively small population, it is the economic and cultural heart of Obion County, offering a variety of services, businesses, and entertainment options. The city’s location along U.S. Route 51 and its proximity to the Kentucky-Tennessee border give it a strategic advantage for trade and travel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Union City is served by the Union City School District, with major schools including Union City High School and Union City Middle School. There is also a branch of the University of Tennessee at Martin in the area, offering higher education opportunities. Union City is home to a variety of landmarks, including the historic Obion County Courthouse, which has served as the county seat for many years. The city also has the Discovery Park of America, a popular regional attraction that features a museum, science exhibits, and a large outdoor park with historical exhibits. The Reelfoot Lake State Park, located just outside Union City, is another important landmark in the area, known for its bird watching, fishing, and outdoor recreational activities. Union City also has a historic downtown district, with local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues that draw visitors and provide a charming atmosphere for residents.
Hornbeak, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 38232
- Latitude: 36.2045° N
- Longitude: 88.8377° W
Location and History
Hornbeak is a small town in the southern part of Obion County, located approximately 10 miles southeast of Union City. The town was established in the late 19th century, named after a local family that played a significant role in the area’s early development. Like many small towns in Obion County, Hornbeak’s economy was historically based on agriculture, including cotton and tobacco farming. The town grew modestly through the early 20th century, maintaining a rural character that remains today.
Hornbeak’s population has remained small, and much of the town’s history is tied to the agricultural traditions of the region. As farming practices evolved, Hornbeak has seen some changes, but it has retained its small-town charm and community-oriented spirit. The town’s proximity to Union City and other major hubs has allowed it to remain connected to the larger economic and cultural activities of Obion County, despite its size. Over time, Hornbeak has remained a quiet community where families enjoy rural living while still being near the services and amenities found in Union City.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hornbeak is served by the Obion County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Union City. The town is small, so it doesn’t have its own schools, but families benefit from the educational facilities available in Union City. Major landmarks in Hornbeak include local churches, which serve as important community gathering places. One of the town’s key features is its proximity to Reelfoot Lake, which draws both locals and visitors for outdoor activities like fishing, bird watching, and boating. The nearby Reelfoot Lake State Park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it an ideal location for nature lovers. While Hornbeak itself is quiet and rural, its connection to nearby Union City and its location close to Reelfoot Lake make it an appealing location for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation.
South Fulton, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,500
- Zip Codes: 38257
- Latitude: 36.0922° N
- Longitude: 88.8896° W
Location and History
South Fulton is located in the western part of Obion County, just south of the Tennessee-Kentucky state line. The town is positioned along U.S. Route 45E, providing easy access to both the neighboring state of Kentucky and the nearby city of Union City. South Fulton’s history is intertwined with the development of regional transportation routes, including the railroad, which helped to fuel its growth as a small but important trade and agricultural center. The town was officially incorporated in 1886 and served as a stop for travelers and a local hub for agriculture, particularly in cotton and tobacco production.
In the 20th century, South Fulton’s economy diversified with the rise of local manufacturing, retail businesses, and services. Today, South Fulton is a thriving small town that benefits from its location along major transportation routes, providing residents with a balance of rural tranquility and easy access to the amenities of larger cities. The town is part of the larger Fulton, Kentucky, metropolitan area, and its strategic location near the border has contributed to its continued growth and development over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
South Fulton is served by the South Fulton School District, with South Fulton High School and South Fulton Middle School being the primary educational institutions. The schools in South Fulton offer a range of academic and extracurricular programs for students. Major landmarks in the town include the South Fulton City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as baseball fields, a walking trail, and picnic areas. South Fulton is also near the Tennessee River, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. The nearby Reelfoot Lake State Park is another popular landmark, offering hiking trails, camping sites, and abundant wildlife. South Fulton’s proximity to these outdoor attractions, combined with its small-town charm, makes it an appealing destination for visitors and residents alike. The town also has a historic district, featuring older homes and buildings that reflect its rich history and rural heritage.
Rives, Tennessee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 38253
- Latitude: 36.1466° N
- Longitude: 88.9915° W
Location and History
Rives is a small, unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Obion County, approximately 12 miles south of Union City. The town has a rich history tied to the development of agriculture in the region. Settlers first established Rives in the early 19th century, drawn by the fertile soil of the Obion River Valley. Agriculture, especially cotton and tobacco farming, was the primary economic activity for many years, with local farmers relying on the nearby river for transportation and trade. Rives grew slowly but steadily, and like many small towns in rural Tennessee, its economy remained rooted in farming.
The population of Rives has remained small, and the town retains its rural character. Over the years, Rives has experienced minimal growth but has benefited from its proximity to Union City and the larger metropolitan areas in northwest Tennessee. Today, Rives remains a quiet community, with many of its residents continuing to work in agriculture or local industries. Its location near the Obion River and local farms provides residents with a peaceful lifestyle while still being connected to nearby urban centers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rives is part of the Obion County School District, with students typically attending schools in Union City, including Union City High School and Union City Middle School. While the town does not have its own educational institutions, it benefits from its proximity to larger educational facilities in Union City. The town’s major landmarks include local churches and family farms, which reflect Rives’ agricultural heritage. The nearby Obion River offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, the town is within driving distance of Reelfoot Lake State Park, a popular destination for birdwatching, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Though small, Rives offers a quiet, rural lifestyle and easy access to the scenic beauty of the region, making it an appealing place for those who enjoy nature and rural living.
