Putnam Public Library

Built in 1884-85, this red-bricked Italianate structure was the home of Charles W. and Agnes Putnam. Mr. Putnam was a hardware merchant and banker; Mrs. Putnam taught music and was the first public school teacher in Nashville. Around the turn of the century, the Putnams hosted many elegant social events here. In 1921 they willed their home to Nashville for use as a public library. They established a ten-thousand-dollar trust fund to begin its operation. The Woman’s Literary Club launched the library in 1923.