Tennessee Central Depot, Cookeville, TN
N 36° 09.846 W 085° 30.524
16S E 634129 N 4003179
This depot has a rich history that dates back to 1909.
Waymark Code: WM11RTJ
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 12/12/2019
Views: 3
This depot has a rich history that dates back to 1909. A historic marker brings the building to life:
"A locomotive on the Nashville-Knoxville Railroad first steamed into Cookeville in 1890. The Tennessee Central bought the line in 1902 and built this depot with its distinctive pagoda design in 1909. Soon six trains daily brought visitors, shoppers, and salesmen to town and took natives to distant places. Also, freights loaded with lumber, hogs, corn, and tobacco rolled to faraway markets."
Passenger service continued until 1955, but the trains continued to carry freight until 1968. The building remained vacant until 1975 when the townspeople restored it for use as a museum to preserve its history.
Outside the depot visitors will find a 1913 Baldwin steam engine, a Tennessee Central caboose and an L & N caboose as well as two small maintenance cars. Picnic tables are available in the park-like surroundings.
Street address: 116 W. Broad St. Cookeville, TN USA 38501
County / Borough / Parish: Putnam
Year listed: 1985
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Transportation; Architecture
Periods of significance: 1900-1924; 1925-1949
Historic function: Rail-related
Current function: Museum (new function)
Privately owned?: no
Hours of operation: From: 10:00 AM To: 4:00 AM
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
National Historic Landmark Link: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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