Area History

The Depot located in Downtown Baxter hosts a museum with fun historical facts and as well as a conference space.
Location: 216 Broad Street, Baxter, TN 38544

Take in the spectacular overlook of the Calfkiller River and Stamps Hollow. Legend has it that Native Americans gathered honey from hives underneath the cliff.
Location: 1420 Bee Rock Road, Monterey, TN 38574

When Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton decided to renovate his downtown Cookeville building, painters noticed remnants of what appeared to be an old Coca-Cola billboard. Coca-Cola Consolidated, located in North Carolina, got involved and agreed to completely restore the billboard to look like the 1930’s original. The Mayor requested that “Cookeville” be added along the top of the billboard. When visiting and taking photos, be sure to tag them with #CkvlCokeSign on Instagram.
Location: West Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

Built in 1909, the Cookeville Depot is now home to the Cookeville Depot Museum. Visitors can view railway artifacts, memorabilia, numerous photographs of the railroad in Putnam County over the years and scale trains that run such as, an authentic 1913 Baldwin steam locomotive and two cabooses. It’s open year-round, and admission is free.
Location: 116 West Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

This museum features an enormous collection of items, artifacts, photographs, special exhibits and more, covering the history of Cookeville from prehistoric times through the present.
Location: 40 East Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

The Historic Courthouse Square has made shopping fun and easy with pedestrian walkways, streetlights and crosswalks. Enjoy browsing through a variety of unique stores that have made the historic square their choice location. While on the square, you may appreciate a visit to the Arcade Building to observe the beautiful stained glass panels on the ceiling of what was the first enclosed shopping mall of its kind in Cookeville.
Location: 421 East Spring Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

The Cookeville Post Office was built in 1916 as the original Post Office for the Cookeville area. It was built in the Italian style, offers full services, and houses the Federal Court.
Location: 9 East Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

The City of Cookeville’s first historic residential district, the North Dixie Avenue Historic District was identified by the city and designated by the state in 2001. These streets are a catalog of 20th Century architecture, including Queen Anne, Neo-Classical, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow. All the houses were originally built before World War II and are excellent examples of most of the architectural designs used before the war. Much of this historic district was first established from the early settlers that founded Dixie College (1909) and Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (1916), now known as Tennessee Tech University.
Location: This district consists of the residences along N. Dixie Ave. from Freeze St. north to E. 7th Street.

The Historic WestSide Cultural District boasts a unique collection of specialty shops, mom 'n' pop restaurants, antique stores, art studios and more; all within walking distance of the Cookeville Depot Museum, Cookeville Performing Arts Center, Dogwood Park, Farmers Market, Cookeville Regional Medical Center and Tennessee Tech University. As you "take a walk on the WestSide," make time to appreciate the restored facades and internal structures of these historic buildings.
Location: 10 East Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

Explore a rich history of the people and what brought them to the Upper Cumberland Mountains with a tour of the Monterey Depot Museum. Discover a Native American history as well as why this charming little mountain town was a resort destination and retreat for travelers.
Location: 101 East Depot Avenue, Monterey, TN 38544

Named after one of the many small muddy ponds of this mountain community, Muddy Pond is home to several Amish-Mennonite communities as well as lots of small, local farms. The town folks who have lived here for generations love the charm and comfort of this little spot, deep in the hills of Tennessee. Tourists enjoy the unique sights and shopping experiences on these winding country roads. It’s also important to note Muddy Pond is home to the best sorghum and fried pies in the state.
Location: 3600 Muddy Pond Road, Monterey, TN 38574

The Leadership Putnam Class of 2002 coordinated a Quality of Life project that honors local and national law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency management technicians, paramedics and military personnel. After the events of September 11, 2001, many citizens within the community wanted to show their support for our local protectors who put their lives at risk everyday for our safety. This mural was painted by a local artist and is on the corner of Cedar and W. Broad streets. You, too, can show your respect as you walk the WestSide and view this larger than life collage.
Location: 53 West Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501

Monterey was once the pioneer settlement Standing Stone, named for a large boulder on the historic Walton Road nearby. The Standing Stone was a 13-foot-tall rock that once stood upright on a sandstone ledge in the area. It was the legendary boundary between Cherokee and Shawnee territory and marked the Cherokee Tallonteeskee Trail. The eight-foot remnant of this stone is preserved in Monterey, where a Standing Stone Celebration of Native American Heritage is held each October.
Location: East Commercial Avenue, Monterey, TN 38574