Cookeville in Putnam County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Dedicated to the Memory of Jere Whitson

1853-1928

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 7, 2023

1. Dedicated to the Memory of Jere Whitson Marker

Inscription. During his lifetime, Jere Whitson was a devoted and public spirited citizen of Putnam County. It was through his leadership that progressive movements of his era led the way for the progress of today. His accomplishments were many, such as promoting the construction of this courthouse and the old tower from which this bell was removed. His greatest contribution perhaps was leading the fight to establish Tennessee Polytectnic Institute in Cookeville, Tennessee, on land which he donated. He was a Christian gentleman, a devoted citizen who always answered the call when the "bell" rang out for help in any cause vital to the welfare of his town and county.

Erected 1964.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 36° 9.724′ N, 85° 30.004′ W. Marker is in Cookeville, Tennessee, in Putnam County. It is at the intersection of East Spring Street (U.S. 70 N) and South Jefferson Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Spring Street. The marker and bell are at the southwest corner of the Putnam County

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Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 E Spring St, Cookeville TN 38501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Putnam County Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Statue (a few steps from this marker); Site of WHUB Radio's First Studios (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County's Third and Fourth Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County POW * MIA Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Revolutionary Memorial (within shouting distance of

Jere Whitson Marker and the old Putnam County Courthouse bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 7, 2023

2. Jere Whitson Marker and the old Putnam County Courthouse bell

Looking towards the intersection of East Spring Street and North Jefferson Avenue

this marker); Putnam County Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cookeville.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Putnam County Courthouse, of which Jere Whitson the construction in 1900 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, July 7, 2023

3. Putnam County Courthouse, of which Jere Whitson the construction in 1900

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 6, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.