Baxter, Tennessee, located in Putnam County, was originally known as Mine Lick before being renamed in 1902 to honor Jere Baxter, a prominent Tennessee Central Railroad engineer. Incorporated in 1915 with John Oliver as its first mayor, the town developed around the railroad and became known for the Baxter Seminary.

Key Historical Facts

• Name Origin: Renamed in 1902 from "Mine Lick" to Baxter to honor Jere Baxter, president of the Tennessee Central Railroad.

• Incorporation: The town was officially incorporated in 1915.

• Railroad Impact: The Tennessee Central Railroad ran through the center of town, driving early economic growth.

• Baxter Seminary: Established by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1908, this institution focused on vocational training and education before becoming Upperman High School in 1959.

• Early Development: The town's first churches included Presbyterian, Methodist, and Church of Christ, established around 1905.

• Government: The town was established with a "pay as you go" financial system, with early infrastructure including water works installed in 1939.

• Demographics: As of 2020, the population was 1,578, with significant growth reported in subsequent years

Location: Baxter has a population of nine hundred people and is the principal town in the western section of Putnam County, located on the Tennessee Central Railroad eighty-one-miles east of Nashville and one hundred and twenty-nine miles west of Knoxville. The town is well situated, as there are six public roads leading in every direction; also a good pike leading to Nashville and all intermediate points. It is the trade center for parts of Jackson, DeKalb, Smith and the western end of Putnam County. The business men are progressive, wide-awake and honest in their dealings, which is of inestimable value in the building of any town.

Climate: Baxter has a climate not excelled anywhere in the South. Its water is the best and purest freestone and chalybeate that runs from “Mother Earth.” The cool breeze from Caney Fork river and the valley below make the Spring and Summer delightful. The nights are so cool in mid-summer that covering is necessary. In fact all the seasons of the year are as good as you will find in the world.

Municipality: Baxter was incorporated in 1915. Hon. J.E. Oliver was the first mayor and under his administration most of the ordinances governing the town were formulated. Hon. V.D. Nunally, the present mayor, is serving his second term. He is progressive and doing much toward the building and improvement of the town. At present he is having a beautiful park made in the business part of the town which will add much to the comfort of the citizens. The mayor is ably assisted in his work by V.B. York, recorder, W.R. Bradford, Lawrence Grace, D.B. Boyd and Jas, L. Sadler, Aldermen. Baxter was formerly known as Mine Lick, but the name was changed in 1902 in honor of Jere Baxter, the builder of the Tennessee Central.

Business Enterprises and Factories: Baxter is a great shipping point. Last year there was shipped to various parts of the United States and Europe 125 cars of pulp wood, 100 cars of acid wood, 150 cars of poles, 200 cars of crossties, 50 cars of lumber and spokes, 35 cars of handles, 30 cars of eggs, 40 cars of poultry, and 25 cars of hogs and cattle. Baxter has one bank, electric light plant, two wholesale produce houses, one wholesale grocery store, one hotel, and a number of boarding houses; one telephone exchange, one long distance service with copper circuit, one Western Union Telegraph office, with money order service to all parts of the United States and Canada; one express and freight office, six general stores, two hardware stores, two grocery stores, one drug store, one millinery store, one flour exchange, two wholesale and retail crosstie and pole companies, one large handle factory that exports goods to all parts of Europe; one large saw and planing mill, one garage, Standard Oil station, cotton gin, two restaurants, one barber shop, and several other enterprises. Baxter has a live Business Mens Club and this club is at all times willing and anxious to have good people locate within their midst.

Churches: Baxter is a town of deep religious environments. There are three fine churches: The Methodist, Church of Christ, and Presbyterian. All have regular services and are growing in membership. The Sunday schools are well attended and interesting in every particular. Perfect harmony and good fellowship exist among the churches.

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• Burgess Falls State Park: Known for its sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, and impressive waterfalls along the Falling Water River.
• Cummins Falls State Park: A rugged 211-acre park famous for being an idyllic swimming hole and home to the 8th largest waterfall in Tennessee.
• Window Cliffs State Natural Area: Features a unique ridge-top trail leading to stunning, narrow rock formations.
• Bee Rock: A popular, accessible hiking trail offering panoramic views of the Cumberland Plateau after a short hike.
• City Lake Natural Area: A tranquil area for hiking and enjoying nature near downtown Cookeville.
• Center Hill Lake: A major destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, surrounded by hundreds of miles of shoreline.