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

Putnam County Courthouses

Photographed By Tom Gillard, February 13, 2010

1. Putnam County Courthouses Marker

Inscription. After Putnam County was established in 1854, this site was chosen for its courthouse. Fires destroyed the first building soon after it was erected in 1855, a second during the Civil War, and a third in 1899. Construction of this courthouse, James Yeaman, architect, by Scott-Smoot, contractors, was completed in 1900. It was remodeled in 1962-63

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 36° 9.753′ N, 85° 30′ W. Marker is in Cookeville, Tennessee, in Putnam County. Marker is at the intersection of South Jefferson (U.S. 136) and E. Broad St., on the right when traveling north on South Jefferson. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cookeville TN 38501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County's Third and Fourth Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Israel Putnam (within shouting distance of this marker); Putnam County Revolutionary Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of WHUB Radio's First Studios

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Town Spring (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richard Fielding Cooke (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cookeville.

Additional commentary.
1. History of the Courthouses
"The first courthouse,completed in 1856, burned a few years later and was rebuilt. The second courthouse was burned accidentally by Union soldiers who camped there in 1861. Putnam County's third courthouse... was built in 1866 and burned in 1899. The present building was completed in 1900, and it was extensively remodeled in 1862, at which time the clock tower was removed.

"The fourth courthouse was completed in 1900 and cost $25,000 to build. The clock tower had a medieval appearance and was on the Northwest corner of the building. The bricks were made at Scott Brick Kiln located at the present site of the Willow Tree Shopping Center. The tower was removed, and other changes were made when the courthouse was remodeled in 1962."

-- Images of America - Cookeville and Putnam County, by Friends of the Cookeville History Museum

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Photographed By Tom Gillard, February 13, 2010

2. Putnam County Courthouse and Marker
Submitted July 16, 2014, by Deanna Lack of Sparta, Tennessee.

1900 Putnam County Courthouse, Cookeville, Tenn. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Harding, circa 1900

3. 1900 Putnam County Courthouse, Cookeville, Tenn.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2010, by Tom Gillard of Tullahoma, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,038 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 13, 2010, by Tom Gillard of Tullahoma, Tennessee. 3. submitted on July 22, 2014, by Deanna Lack of Sparta, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.