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

The Wilder Block

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 8, 2025

1. The Wilder Block Marker

Inscription. The Wilder Block was constructed by Union General John T. Wilder in 1903. The block consisted of Morgan Bros. Grocery, Officer's Hardware, W.A. Horn Dry Goods and Furnishings, and the Bank of Monterey (pictured above). Those establishments were destroyed in 1921 by one of Monterey's four great fires. Not long after the fire, John W. Welch constructed a new block of buildings on the same spot. Over the years, several businesses have opened in the area, including Pugh's Ace Hardware, Wells Ace Hardware, Walker Hardware, Pugh's Grocery, and Bishop's Drugs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.

Location. 36° 8.858′ N, 85° 16.082′ W. Marker is in Monterey, Tennessee, in Putnam County. It is at the intersection of East Commercial Avenue (State Road 62) and S Holly St, on the right when traveling east on East Commercial Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 E Commercial Ave, Monterey TN 38574, 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: Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Stokes' Atrocity (within shouting distance of this marker); Goff's Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Hire, Jent & Bray (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Horn's Shed (within shouting distance of this marker); Cup and Saucer (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Monterey (within shouting distance of this marker); Phillips Shoes (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monterey.

The Wilder Block Marker (marker along left edge of photo) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, February 14, 2026

2. The Wilder Block Marker (marker along left edge of photo)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 18, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.