Cookeville in Putnam County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Jere Baxter
Founder, Builder, and First President of the Tennessee Central Railroad
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, February 14, 2026
1. Jere Baxter Marker
This tablet is placed here by the citizens of Cookeville to the memory of Jere Baxter who conceived the idea of this road and executed it by the cooperation of the people.
"That I have loved her the more, I have left upon her she'll be my testimony."
Erected 1909 by The Citizens of Cookeville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 36° 9.86′ N, 85° 30.502′ W. Marker is in Cookeville, Tennessee, in Putnam County. It is at the intersection of West Broad Street and N Cedar Ave, on the right when traveling east on West Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 W Broad 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: Alexander L. Crawford (here, next to this marker); Tennessee Central Depot (a few steps from this marker); P.M. Smith Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 1907 and 1909 Views of the Cookeville Train Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War In Putnam County (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizen's Bank Building (within shouting
this page online
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, February 14, 2026
2. Jere Baxter Marker
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, February 14, 2026
3. Jere Baxter Marker (on left edge of building)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 25 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
