Jaime Vaughn

Nestled along the Mississippi River in West Tennessee, Lauderdale County boasts a rich and complex history dating back to its founding on November 24, 1835. Named in honor of War of 1812 hero Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale, the county was carved from parts of Dyer, Tipton, and Haywood Counties. Its early years were shaped by agriculture, with fertile river bottoms supporting thriving cotton plantations.

One of the most pivotal moments in Lauderdale County’s past occurred during the Civil War at Fort Pillow. On April 12, 1864, Confederate troops under General Nathan Bedford Forrest overran the Union-held fort in a brutal assault now known as the Fort Pillow Massacre—an event that galvanized African American Union soldiers across the country.

The county transitioned into the modern era with the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s, bringing economic development and helping towns like Henning grow. In the mid-20th century, the region expanded into manufacturing and education, while also honoring its military contributions with the establishment of the Veterans’ Museum in Halls in 1997.

From Civil War history to cultural milestones, Lauderdale County remains a place where the past echoes through river towns, cotton fields, and historic landmarks.