Historical Markers in
Putnam County, Tennessee

Baxter Seminary Buck's College Buffalo Valley School Capshaw School Civil War In Putnam County Civil War in Tennessee Cookeville Confederate Memorial Dixie College Gen. John T. Wilder Israel Putnam Last Stagecoach Hold-Up Major Richard Fielding Cooke Mount Granger Old Cumberland Hotel / Saint Raphael Mission Old Salem Methodist Church Old Shipley Barn Putnam County Courthouses Putnam County Revolutionary Memorial Putnam County Veterans Memorial Putnam County's Only Public Execution Putnam County's Third and Fourth Courthouses Richard Fielding Cooke Richard Fielding Cooke Site of Roulston Stand Site of WHUB Radio's First Studios Standing Stone Standing Stone Standing Stone Monument Steam Tractor 1886 Stokes' Atrocity Tennessee Central Depot Tennessee Veterans Town Spring U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr. Veterans Statue Walton Road - Old Burnt Stand White Plains White Plains
The first known protest against British taxation in America occurred in Tennessee in 1768, more than a decade before the famous Boston Tea Party. A group of settlers in the Watauga Association signed a petition protesting the British government's attempt to impose taxes on them without their consent.
Tennessee random facts
Putnam County, TN is located in the northern part of Tennessee and has a rich history that spans centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Shawnee, the area was later explored and settled by European settlers in the late 18th century. The county was officially established in 1842, named after General Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

In the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Putnam County's economy, with crops like tobacco, corn, and wheat being the primary focus. The construction of the Cumberland Turnpike, a major trade route, in the early 19th century further facilitated economic growth and development in the region. As more settlers moved to the area, small towns and communities began to emerge.

During the Civil War, Putnam County saw its fair share of conflict. Being located on the border between the Union and Confederate regions, the area experienced both Union and Confederate occupation at different times throughout the war. The Battle of Dugger's Ferry, fought in May 1863, was an important skirmish that took place in Putnam County. Despite the hardships of war, the county began to recover and rebuild in the post-war years.

In the 20th century, Putnam County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of major highways, such as U.S. Route 70 and Interstate 40, improved transportation connectivity and sparked economic progress. Education also became a cornerstone, with the establishment of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, the county seat, in 1915. Today, Putnam County continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a diverse economy, a strong educational system, and a rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Putnam County, Tennessee.

  • 1761 - Putnam County is established as part of the Cherokee Indian territory in what is now Tennessee.
  • 1784 - The land that would become Putnam County is ceded to the United States government by the Cherokee Nation.
  • 1796 - Tennessee becomes the 16th state in the Union, and Putnam County is part of the new state.
  • 1842 - Putnam County is officially designated as a county by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1901 - Tennessee Technological University, then known as Dixie College, is founded in Cookeville, the county seat of Putnam County.
  • 1930s - The construction of Center Hill Dam begins on the Caney Fork River, creating Center Hill Lake, which would later become a popular recreational area in Putnam County.
  • 1997 - A tornado outbreak devastates Putnam County and other parts of Middle Tennessee, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
  • 2010 - The population of Putnam County reaches over 72,000 people.
  • 2020 - Putnam County is hit by a deadly tornado that causes significant destruction and loss of life.