Somewhere near the center of Tennessee sits a little town by the name of Cookeville. First established in Putnam County in 1854, Cookeville would prosper in the century to follow, booming with the introduction of the Nashville and Knoxville Railroad in 1890. The city now posts a population of over 33,000 people, nearly a third of which are employed in the town’s thriving manufacturing sector.
One of the essential steps in Cookeville’s development was the introduction of the aforementioned railways. Visitors can learn more about it by stopping in at the Cookeville Depot Museum housed in one of the town’s many historic buildings. Here you can discover what Cookeville used to look like with their HO scale model, as well as enjoy examples of historic locomotives found around the museum.
Next, stop by the Cookeville Courthouse and learn about its fire-plagued history. In 1856 the courthouse was built, only to burn down just a few short years later. Following its reconstruction and the beginning of the civil war, it would soon blaze again as careless Union soldiers set fire to the building that served as their temporary barracks. The final reconstruction would take place in 1900, following its next and last fire in 1899.
A stop by the Cookeville History Museum serves to continue your journey through the history of Cookeville and Putnam County. Inside you’ll find pieces of the area’s history presented in a self-paced format that will reveal the brave and determined spirit of the people that built the city and helped turn Cookeville and Putnam County into what they are today.
If you have younger children in your family and are looking for a way to immerse them in learning and play in equal measure, it’s time for a stop by the Cookeville Children’s Museum. Youth aged 1-10 can explore science, fine art, music, movement, and social skills in a supportive environment. It’s a great way to enrich your children’s experience during your visit to Cookeville.
With its rich history of progress and industry, the area has a lot to offer those curious about the past events that built Cookeville and Putnam County. There’s nothing better than a pleasant day out with the family that results in a real appreciation for the history of the city and state they’re in. If you live in the Cookeville area or are planning a visit there be sure to include the museums in your list of local activities. Elite Gutters and Sunrooms is proud to be able to locally offer the entire area of Cookeville patio covers.