With its stunning natural parks and beautiful landscapes, Cookeville, TN is known for its outdoor attractions. However, did you know that this charming town is also steeped in history? If you’re a history buff or simply want to explore Cookeville’s rich past, then a tour of its historic buildings is a must-do. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to some of Cookeville’s most fascinating historic structures, including the White Plains Historic Home, Cookeville History Museum, Cookeville Depot Museum, Historical Courthouse, and Dogwood Park. So, put on your walking shoes, and let’s get exploring!
The first stop on our tour is the White Plains Historic Home, a beautiful antebellum home that dates back to the 1840s. This stunning home is one of the few remaining antebellum homes in the Upper Cumberland region and has been preserved by the Cookeville History Museum. The house is filled with period furnishings and artifacts from the time period. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the home’s history and see the collection of antiques that have been carefully curated for guests to admire.
Next, head on over to the Cookeville History Museum, which is located in the heart of downtown Cookeville. The museum is housed in the old post office building, which tells its own fascinating story. Here, you’ll be able to explore exhibits that showcase Cookeville’s rich history, dating all the way back to the earliest settlers of the region. There are several galleries, each with a different focus on the area’s past, so be sure to explore them all.
The Cookeville Depot Museum is another fascinating stop on our tour. Originally built in the early 1900s, the museum is housed in the old train station and showcases the impact of transportation on the region. The museum offers a glimpse into the history of transportation in the area, from steam engine trains to automobiles and everything in between. Visitors can even see a restored caboose and learn about life on the railways.
For those interested in architecture, be sure to visit the Historical Courthouse, which was built in the Beaux Arts style in 1936. The courthouse itself is a work of art, with its grand columns and detailed carvings. Although the courthouse is still in use today, visitors can take a self-guided tour and marvel at the stunning details, including the magnificent stained-glass dome.
Finally, our tour concludes with a stop at the beautiful Dogwood Park, one of Cookeville’s most beloved outdoor spaces. While the park is relatively new, it is built on land that has deep historical significance. Before it was a park, the land was home to a Native American settlement, and later served as a battlefield during the Civil War. Today, the park is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, and visitors can take a stroll through the park’s lovely gardens, play a game of Frisbee with friends, or enjoy a picnic in the shade of one of the park’s many trees.
Cookeville is a town with a rich history, and a tour of its historic buildings offers the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into its past. From a stunning antebellum home to a museum that explores Cookeville’s earliest settlers, visitors can discover the many stories that make this town so special. So, next time you’re in Cookeville, make sure to take some time to explore its history and get a glimpse into what makes it such a unique and treasured destination.
