In the early 1800’s, President Andrew Jackson authorized the negotiation of a land purchase from the Chickasaw Indians, and here his name is used daily. Graves County is located in the middle of the Jackson Purchase. This fertile land attracted early settlers from Virginia, North and South Carolina and Tennessee who brought with them a degree of education and culture and a fierce determination to succeed on the land. Remarkable in the achievements as craftsmen and farmers they put down roots to blend a political, economic and social environment unique perhaps only to Graves County.
In Graves County you’ll find the kind of western Kentucky charm indicative of the entire region. It is here you can take a trip into the past. Journey through a canopy of tree-lined country lanes, over one-lined bridges, past wandering creeks and lush pastures in Graves County’s countryside. Graves County also claims bragging rights in agriculture, history politics and arts. As one of Kentucky’s largest counties boasting 557 square miles, Graves’ history of legends and leaders includes a United States Vice President, four United States Congressmen, famous and infamous heroes, singers and songwriters, noted writers and a legacy of historic sites.
A trip from Paducah and Interstate 24 takes travelers down beautiful four-lane Highway 45 lined with a mixture of commerce and industry and lush farmland into Mayfield and is a fitting introduction to Graves County.
You’ll be captivated by the abundance of antique galleries as well as homespun haunts and restaurants to be found in the barns and backdoors of people all around the Purchase. Nature trails, vast sparkling lakes and lush forests set the stage for your Purchase excursion adding an outdoor alternative for the adventuresome. Western Kentucky is an area of diversity; a place of rich cultural heritage and awesome natural beauty. But perhaps the Purchase area’s greatest asset can be found in the warm hospitality of its people-a genuine friendliness that says "Welcome, we’re glad you’re here."
(Information provided by the Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce)