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: WM11RV4
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 12/12/2019
Views: 4
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.
Is the station/depot currently used for railroad purposes?: No
Is the station/depot open to the public?: Yes
If the station/depot is not being used for railroad purposes, what is it currently used for?: Museum
What rail lines does/did the station/depot serve?: Tennessee Central
Station/Depot Web Site: [Web Link]
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