Bedford County, Tennessee is located in the southeastern part of the state and is bordered by Moore County to the north, Coffee County to the east, Franklin County to the south, and Marshall and Lincoln Counties to the west. The county covers an area of 447 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 45,000 people.
The geography of Bedford County is largely comprised of rolling hills and valleys covered with lush forests. The Duck River runs through the county providing a stunning backdrop with its banks lined by tall trees that provide shade during hot summer days. The landscape also features numerous lakes, ponds and streams which provide plenty of recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming and boating.
The highest point in Bedford County is located on Pilot Knob Mountain which rises to an elevation of 1,074 feet above sea level. Other notable peaks include Short Mountain (1,020 feet) and Big Hill (958 feet). In addition to these mountains there are also several low-lying hills scattered throughout the county such as Lick Creek Hill (842 feet) and Cooper Hill (737 feet).
Bedford County has a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit while winters tend to be cold with temperatures ranging from 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring brings warmer temperatures as well as rain which helps nourish crops planted in local farmlands while autumn brings cooler temperatures as well as colorful foliage that blankets the landscape in shades of reds, yellows, oranges and browns.
Overall, Bedford County offers its residents a unique combination of natural beauty combined with proximity to larger cities such as Chattanooga and Nashville making it a great place for those looking for both rural living or easy access urban amenities!
Country seat and other main cities of Bedford County, Tennessee
The county seat of Bedford County is the city of Shelbyville. This vibrant city is located in the center of the county and is home to a population of around 20,000 people. Shelbyville is known for its historic downtown area which features several unique shops and restaurants. The city also has several parks, a library and recreational facilities where residents can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking and fishing.
According to Countryaah, other cities within Bedford County include Wartrace, Normandy, Bell Buckle, Unionville and Wheel. Wartrace is located near the Duck River and is known for its antique shops and annual Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration. Normandy is a small town with a population of around 500 people that offers an idyllic rural setting with rolling hills, lush forests, and numerous lakes and streams. Bell Buckle is a charming town that serves as the hub for arts & crafts in the county with numerous galleries featuring local artwork as well as live music events throughout the year. Unionville lays claim to being Tennessee’s oldest settlement having been founded in 1779 while Wheel has become well-known for its annual “Wheel Jam” which features bluegrass music performances from some of the region’s best musicians.
Overall, Bedford County offers its residents plenty to do whether it be exploring nature at one of its many parks or enjoying some culture at one of its towns’ festivals or events!
History of Bedford County, Tennessee
Bedford County, Tennessee was established in 1807 from parts of Rutherford, Williamson and Lincoln Counties. The county was named after Thomas Bedford, Jr., a Revolutionary War soldier and early settler of the area. Early settlers to the county included the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Creek Native American tribes followed by European-American settlers in the late 1700s.
During the Civil War, Bedford County was a hotbed of Confederate activity with several skirmishes taking place during the war including one at Shelbyville in 1863. The most famous battle in Bedford County took place at Bell Buckle on June 22, 1863 when Union forces under General William Rosecrans clashed with Confederate troops under General Braxton Bragg resulting in a Confederate victory.
After the war ended, Bedford County saw a period of economic growth as agriculture and manufacturing began to take hold in the area. By the turn of the century, several new towns had sprung up throughout Bedford County including Unionville (1879), Wartrace (1880), Normandy (1890) and Wheel (1909). In addition to these towns there were also numerous general stores that served as hubs for local farmers and ranchers throughout the county.
Today Bedford County is still an agricultural area but it has also become known for its recreational activities like fishing, hunting and camping with several state parks located within its borders such as Natchez Trace State Park and Cedars of Lebanon State Park. It is also home to some unique historic sites such as Beech Grove Cemetery which is believed to be one of Tennessee’s oldest cemeteries dating back to 1814!
Economy of Bedford County, Tennessee
Bedford County, Tennessee has a diversified economy that is driven by a combination of manufacturing, agriculture, retail, healthcare, and tourism. Manufacturing is the largest industry in Bedford County. This includes industries such as automotive parts, furniture and wood products, kitchen cabinets and architectural woodwork. These companies employ thousands of people in the county and generate a significant portion of the county’s economic activity. Agriculture is also an important part of Bedford County’s economy. The area produces beef cattle, poultry, hay, corn and soybeans. As well as these commercial crops there are also many small farmers who produce fruits and vegetables for local markets as well as for export to other areas. Retail is another major industry in Bedford County with several national chains located throughout the county including Walmart and Target. Healthcare is also an important part of the county’s economy with several hospitals providing services to the community. Finally there is tourism which brings visitors from around the world to enjoy attractions such as Lynchburg Square Historic District or Shelbyville Horse Park. These industries combined provide jobs for thousands of people in Bedford County and contribute significantly to its economy.
