Tennessee Central Depot, Cookeville, TN - Train Stations/Depots on Waymarking.com

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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Date Logged Log User Rating   11/21/2020 ggmorton visited it