Gov. Prentice Cooper House

Gov. Prentice Cooper House is a residential building on East Lane Street in Shelbyville displaying Late Victorian style with carved wooden elements and period details throughout its structure. The interior shows typical construction methods and room layouts of a wealthy household from that time.

The house was built in 1904 for William Prentice Cooper, who later became Tennessee's governor during major national events. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 to preserve its importance to the state's political history.

The house reflects how a prominent family lived in early 1900s Tennessee through its rooms and furnishings that remain on display. Visitors can observe the daily life and social standing that this residence represented in the community.

The house sits in a quiet residential area and is best approached on foot as you near the building. Scheduled visits occur at specific times, so checking ahead for availability is important before planning your trip.

While serving as a United States Ambassador in Peru, Prentice Cooper had a separate guesthouse built on the grounds in 1952. This addition connects his South American diplomatic role to his Tennessee home.