Memphis TN: Uncovering The County It Resides In

Shelby County is the county in which the city of Memphis, Tennessee is located. Memphis is the county seat of Shelby County.

Shelby County is the largest county in Tennessee by population, with over 927,000 residents. It is also the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area, which is the 46th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Shelby County was created in 1819 from parts of Shelby and Fayette counties. It is named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky.

What County is Memphis TN In?

Shelby County is the county in which the city of Memphis, Tennessee is located.

• Largest county in Tennessee by population
• Most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area
• Created in 1819
• Named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky
• County seat: Memphis
• Area: 799 square miles
• Population: 927,000

Shelby County is a major economic and cultural center in the Mid-South region of the United States. It is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. The county is also home to the University of Memphis, the Memphis Zoo, and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley.

1. Largest county in Tennessee by population

Shelby County is the largest county in Tennessee by population, with over 927,000 residents. This makes it a major economic and cultural center in the Mid-South region of the United States.

• Economic implications
  The large population of Shelby County makes it a major economic center. It is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. The county is also a major center for healthcare, education, and tourism.
• Cultural implications
  The large population of Shelby County also makes it a major cultural center. It is home to a number of museums, theaters, and music venues. The county is also home to the University of Memphis, the Memphis Zoo, and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley.
• Political implications
  The large population of Shelby County makes it a major political center. It is home to a number of elected officials, including the mayor of Memphis and the Shelby County mayor. The county is also a major battleground in state and national elections.
• Social implications
  The large population of Shelby County also has a number of social implications. The county is home to a diverse population, with a large number of African Americans and Latinos. The county also has a high poverty rate and a number of social problems, such as crime and violence.

The large population of Shelby County has a number of implications for the county and its residents. It makes Shelby County a major economic, cultural, political, and social center in the Mid-South region of the United States.

2. Most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area

The fact that Shelby County is the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" for several reasons.

First, it indicates that Shelby County is the economic and cultural center of the Memphis metropolitan area. The most populous county in a metropolitan area is typically the county that contains the largest city and the majority of the population. This is the case with Shelby County and Memphis. Memphis is the largest city in Shelby County and the metropolitan area, and it is home to the majority of the population.

Second, the fact that Shelby County is the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area makes it a major economic and political force in the region. The county is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. It is also home to the University of Memphis, the Memphis Zoo, and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. The county's large population and economic power give it a significant voice in regional and state politics.

Finally, the fact that Shelby County is the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area makes it a major social and cultural center. The county is home to a diverse population, with a large number of African Americans and Latinos. It is also home to a number of museums, theaters, and music venues. The county's large population and diverse culture make it a vibrant and exciting place to live.

3. Created in 1819

The fact that Shelby County was created in 1819 is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" for several reasons.

First, it provides historical context for the existence of Shelby County and the city of Memphis. Shelby County was created by the Tennessee General Assembly on February 24, 1819, from parts of Shelby and Fayette counties. The county was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky. The city of Memphis was founded in 1819 on the banks of the Mississippi River, within the newly created Shelby County.

Second, the fact that Shelby County was created in 1819 helps to explain the county's current boundaries and demographics. The original boundaries of Shelby County were much larger than they are today. Over time, parts of Shelby County have been ceded to create new counties, including Tipton County, Lauderdale County, and Fayette County. The current boundaries of Shelby County were established in 1873.

Third, the fact that Shelby County was created in 1819 has implications for the county's legal and political system. Shelby County is governed by a mayor-council form of government. The county mayor is elected to a four-year term and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county government. The Shelby County Commission is the legislative body of the county and is composed of 13 members who are elected to four-year terms.

In conclusion, the fact that Shelby County was created in 1819 is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" because it provides historical context for the existence of Shelby County and the city of Memphis, helps to explain the county's current boundaries and demographics, and has implications for the county's legal and political system.

4. Named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky

The fact that Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky, is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" for several reasons.

• Historical context
  Isaac Shelby was a prominent frontiersman and soldier who played a key role in the history of Kentucky and the United States. He served as the first governor of Kentucky from 1792 to 1796, and again from 1812 to 1816. He was also a general in the War of 1812, and he led the American forces to victory at the Battle of the Thames. Naming Shelby County after Isaac Shelby was a way to honor his legacy and his contributions to the region.
• Cultural significance
  The fact that Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby also has cultural significance. Isaac Shelby was a symbol of the American frontier spirit, and he was admired for his courage, leadership, and determination. Naming Shelby County after him was a way to celebrate the values and traditions of the American frontier.
• Sense of place
  The fact that Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby also gives the county a sense of place. The county's name is a reminder of its history and its connection to the American frontier. It is also a reminder of the values and traditions that have shaped the county's culture.

In conclusion, the fact that Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky, is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" because it provides historical context, cultural significance, and a sense of place.

5. County seat

The fact that Memphis is the county seat of Shelby County is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" for several reasons. First, it indicates that Memphis is the most important city in Shelby County. The county seat is typically the largest and most important city in a county, and it is where the county government is located. Memphis is the largest city in Shelby County and the metropolitan area, and it is home to the majority of the population. The county government is located in Memphis, and the city is the center of economic and political activity in the county.

Second, the fact that Memphis is the county seat of Shelby County gives the city a number of advantages. The county seat is typically the center of government, commerce, and culture in a county. Memphis benefits from this status by being the center of government, commerce, and culture in Shelby County. The city is home to a number of government offices, businesses, and cultural institutions. Memphis is also a major transportation hub, with access to the Mississippi River, the Memphis International Airport, and several major highways.

In conclusion, the fact that Memphis is the county seat of Shelby County is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" because it indicates that Memphis is the most important city in the county, and it gives the city a number of advantages.

6. Area

The fact that Shelby County has an area of 799 square miles is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" for several reasons. First, it indicates the size of Shelby County and its place in the larger context of Tennessee and the United States. Shelby County is the largest county in Tennessee by population and the 5th largest by area. It is also the 87th largest county in the United States by area.

• Geographic implications
  The large area of Shelby County has a number of geographic implications. The county is home to a variety of landscapes, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. It is also home to a number of natural resources, including forests, rivers, and lakes. The large area of Shelby County gives it a diverse range of geographic features.
• Economic implications
  The large area of Shelby County also has a number of economic implications. The county is able to accommodate a large population and a diverse range of businesses and industries. The large area of Shelby County gives it a strong economic base.
• Social implications
  The large area of Shelby County also has a number of social implications. The county is home to a diverse population, with a large number of African Americans and Latinos. The large area of Shelby County gives its residents a sense of community and belonging.
• Political implications
  The large area of Shelby County also has a number of political implications. The county is home to a number of elected officials, including the mayor of Memphis and the Shelby County mayor. The large area of Shelby County gives its residents a strong voice in local and state politics.

In conclusion, the fact that Shelby County has an area of 799 square miles is a significant aspect of "what county is Memphis TN in" because it has a number of geographic, economic, social, and political implications.

7. Population

The population of Shelby County, Tennessee is 927,000. This makes it the largest county in Tennessee by population and the 5th largest county in the United States by population.

• Economic implications
  The large population of Shelby County makes it a major economic center. It is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. The county is also a major center for healthcare, education, and tourism.
• Cultural implications
  The large population of Shelby County also makes it a major cultural center. It is home to a number of museums, theaters, and music venues. The county is also home to the University of Memphis, the Memphis Zoo, and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley.
• Political implications
  The large population of Shelby County makes it a major political center. It is home to a number of elected officials, including the mayor of Memphis and the Shelby County mayor. The county is also a major battleground in state and national elections.
• Social implications
  The large population of Shelby County also has a number of social implications. The county is home to a diverse population, with a large number of African Americans and Latinos. The county also has a high poverty rate and a number of social problems, such as crime and violence.

The large population of Shelby County has a number of implications for the county and its residents. It makes Shelby County a major economic, cultural, political, and social center in the Mid-South region of the United States.

FAQs about "what county is memphis tn in"

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about "what county is memphis tn in".

Question 1: What county is Memphis, Tennessee in?

Answer: Memphis, Tennessee is located in Shelby County.

Question 2: What is the largest county in Tennessee by population?

Answer: Shelby County is the largest county in Tennessee by population.

Question 3: What is the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area?

Answer: Shelby County is the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area.

Question 4: When was Shelby County created?

Answer: Shelby County was created in 1819.

Question 5: Who was Shelby County named after?

Answer: Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky.

Question 6: What is the county seat of Shelby County?

Answer: Memphis is the county seat of Shelby County.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about "what county is memphis tn in". For more information, please visit the Shelby County website.

Summary: Shelby County is the county in which the city of Memphis, Tennessee is located. Shelby County is the largest county in Tennessee by population and the most populous county in the Memphis metropolitan area. It was created in 1819 and named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky. The county seat of Shelby County is Memphis.

Transition to the next article section: The following section provides more detailed information about the history, geography, and demographics of Shelby County.

Tips for understanding "what county is memphis tn in"

Understanding "what county is memphis tn in" is important for a variety of reasons. It can help you to locate Memphis on a map, understand its relationship to other cities and counties in Tennessee, and learn more about the history and geography of the region.

Here are five tips for understanding "what county is memphis tn in":

Tip 1: Use a map.

One of the best ways to understand the location of Memphis and Shelby County is to use a map. You can find maps of Tennessee online or in libraries. Maps can help you to see the relative locations of Memphis, Shelby County, and other cities and counties in the region.

Tip 2: Look up the county seat.

The county seat is the most important city in a county. In the case of Shelby County, the county seat is Memphis. Knowing the county seat can help you to understand the relationship between Memphis and Shelby County.

Tip 3: Learn about the history of the county.

The history of a county can help you to understand why it was created and how it has changed over time. Shelby County was created in 1819 from parts of Shelby and Fayette counties. It was named after Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky.

Tip 4: Read about the geography of the county.

The geography of a county can help you to understand its physical features and its relationship to other counties. Shelby County is located in the southwestern corner of Tennessee. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west and the state of Mississippi to the south.

Tip 5: Talk to someone who lives in the county.

Talking to someone who lives in Shelby County can give you a firsthand account of what it is like to live there. They can tell you about the county's history, geography, and culture.

These are just a few tips for understanding "what county is memphis tn in". By following these tips, you can learn more about Memphis, Shelby County, and the surrounding region.

Summary:

• Use a map.
• Look up the county seat.
• Learn about the history of the county.
• Read about the geography of the county.
• Talk to someone who lives in the county.

By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of "what county is memphis tn in" and its significance.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

Understanding "what county is memphis tn in" is important for a variety of reasons. It can help you to locate Memphis on a map, understand its relationship to other cities and counties in Tennessee, and learn more about the history and geography of the region. By following the tips in this article, you can gain a better understanding of "what county is memphis tn in" and its significance.

Conclusion

This article has explored the question "what county is memphis tn in" from a variety of perspectives. We have learned that Memphis is located in Shelby County, the largest county in Tennessee by population. We have also learned about the history, geography, and demographics of Shelby County.

Understanding "what county is memphis tn in" is important for a number of reasons. It can help us to locate Memphis on a map, understand its relationship to other cities and counties in Tennessee, and learn more about the history and geography of the region. It can also help us to make informed decisions about where to live, work, and raise a family.

As we have seen, Shelby County is a vibrant and diverse community with a rich history and culture. It is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, world-class universities, and cultural institutions. Shelby County is also a major center for transportation, logistics, and healthcare.

We encourage you to learn more about Shelby County and the city of Memphis. There is much to see and do in this dynamic and growing region.