Buck's College

Buck's College was established around 1850. It was named after founder Isaac Buck. The school is often referred to as Andrew's College, however the reason for this is unknown. It is thought by many that Andrew's College is the name given to the school by the Tennessee General Assembly. There is also evidence that suggests that the Buck family gave it that name. The name Buck's College was most likely given to the school by locals who simply associate it with the Buck family. Buck's College became Putnam County's first school of higher education. The Buck family moved to the area from Pennsylvania in the 1820s. It was in Pennsylvania that members of the family were provided with a college education. Isaac, was ordained a minister in the Methodist church. When volunteers were being sought to go South and establish churches, Buck answered the call. He and his wife arrived in Putnam County around 1820. They settled on what is now known as "Buck Mountain." They also purchased around 140 acres of land about a mile east of present day Cookeville. Buck and his son Jonathan established Buck's College at that site. By all accounts the school building was very luxurious for the time. It featured poplar logs, five large chimneys, a chapel, dining room, and various other amenities to numerous to name. The building was constructed in an "H" shape. Buck's College thrived throughout the decade. Enrollment numbers were high, with graduation rates to match. The school was the most prestigious in the Upper Cumberland. In 1854 Isaac Buck petitioned the county commissioners at White Plains to make the county seat Buck's College. Their request however was denied and the county seat became known as Cookeville. When the Civil War started in 1861, Buck's College, like all institutions of higher learning, closed down. However, when the war ended in 1865, Buck's College never reopened. The most widely accepted reason for this happening was the creation of nearby Washington Academy. The State of Tennessee Financial Aid, was transferred from Buck's College to Washington Academy by an act of the Tennessee General Assembly. It is unknown what the Buck's did after closing the college, but by all accounts Jonathan kept teaching in private schools in the area, while Isaac focused full time on his ministry at nearby Salem Methodist Church. The story of Buck's College is an interesting one, and it is a vital part of Putnam County history.

This picture of Buck's College, hanging in the author's office, was painted in 1974. One should still be able to make out the "H" shape design.

Drawing of how Buck's College looked during the height of its operation.

Isaac Buck

Buck's College historical marker. The school was located on present day Broad Street, across from Belle Acres Golf Course, about a mile east of Cookeville.

Stay tuned next week for the next installment of Moore Historical Consulting's Throwback Thursday series. Be sure to go check out the section of the blog devoted to the company. Put me to work for you!!