Taylor County, the 98th county organized, was created from Macon, Marion and Talbot counties in 1852. The county was named after Zachary Taylor who won a victory at Buena Vista in the Mexican War and later became the 12th President of the United States.

The Tuscaloosa Formation, located in the county, is a sand clay formation that represents the first prominent coastal plains deposits laid.

Butler was named for General William Orlando Butler who was another hero of the Mexican War.

Communities in Taylor County include Butler and Reynolds.

Butler is the County Seat.