Sparta Rock House

The Sparta Rock House was constructed in the late 1830s. It served as a stage coach stop, and tollhouse for travelers along an early wagon road that connected Nashville and Knoxville. It is unknown who constructed this rock structure, but it is widely believed that it was constructed by either Samuel Denton, or brothers Madison and Barlow Fiske. The latter two were the first to operate it. The land that the structure sits on, was part of Denton's farm. The structure was constructed out of sandstone, native to the Upper Cumberland area. The Rock House, was one of the last stops along the wagon road, that ran to the South, parallel to the Walton Road. The two roads joined back together at present day Crossville. These early pioneer roads paved the way for highways 70, which runs to the south through Sparta, and 70N, which runs to the north through Cookeville. By 1850, the Rock House ceased to operate as a stage stop and toll house. Throughout its years in that role, it played host to many famous visitors. These visitors included Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Sam Houston. From approximately 1880, to 1921 the Rock House was used as a residence, and later as a school. By the time the 1940s came around, the structure had grown into a need of repair. The Daughters of the American Revolution were able to purchase the structure and restore it. It has operated as a museum ever since. In 1973, the Rock House was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in history and architecture. In recent years, the Rock House has been purchased by the state, and now operates as a state historic site, overseen by the Tennessee Historical Commission. The Rock House is truly one of Tennessee's finest examples of preservation success.

Interior photo of the Rock House.

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Shanks Hotel

The Shanks Hotel was constructed in 1926. It was constructed around the Duke House Hotel, which had been built in 1894. Both hotels served railroad travelers, as they were located across the street from the Cookeville Depot. The 1894 construction date of the Duke House Hotel coincided with that of Cookeville's first Depot. It was believed that when the noon eastbound train pulled up in front of the Depot, a waiter at the hotel would come out and ring the "dinner bell." This tradition continued long after the present Depot was constructed in 1909. In 1926, the Duke House Hotel was sold to Mr. H.F. "Pip" Shanks, and his wife Polly. Shanks built a brick building around the old Duke House. By the time construction was complete, the new hotel had fifty rooms, and sixty beds, making it the largest in the county. A luxurious dining room, as well as a drugstore, barbershop, and beauty shop were all located inside. Railroad passengers continued to stay at the Shanks Hotel. The Shanks Hotel was also a favorite dining spot for local residents. Families often met at the Shanks after church services, and enjoyed the gourmet food, and live music. According to an article in the June 1, 1950 edition of the Putnam County Herald, the Shanks Hotel was renovated to include heat and air conditioning, telephones in every room, and sound proof ceilings. An elevator was also to be installed. The article also states that the Shanks Hotel was named "one of the highest recommended small town hotels in the country," by the American Automobile Association (AAA). Famous guests of the hotel included Congressman Cordell Hull, actor Lee Majors, and even Rin Tin Tin and his handler. The Shanks Hotel continued to thrive, until 1970. In 1970, the building caught fire. Reports vary on what exactly caused the fire to break out, but the Duke House portion of the hotel was the most heavily affected. There are also reports that at least two individuals perished in the fire. The Shanks family chose not to rebuild and the hotel was razed. The site has sat vacant ever since. At the time of this writing, plans are currently underway to construct a new hotel, and convention center on the Shanks Hotel site. Based on renderings of the proposed hotel, one should be able to see elements of the Shanks Hotel, in its design. It will be wonderful to once again have a hotel in Cookeville's Historic Westside.

Duke House Hotel, constructed 1894.

Artist renderings of the new downtown Cookeville Hotel, and Convention Center.

Author's Note: Most of the information about the Duke House Hotel, and Shanks Hotel can be found in the book "Putnam County, Tennessee, 1850-1970," by Mary Jean Delozier. This book is the definitive history of Cookeville and Putnam County, Tennessee.

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