With A Museum And A Historic Past, The Coolest Texaco In The World Is Right Here In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published June 07, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Historic Tennessee is truly an unforgettable experience, whether you’re touring the city of Memphis or taking in the stories of tiny towns across the Cumberland Plateau. In Cowan, Tennessee, however, you will find one of the quirkiest gas stations in the United States. Although it doesn’t operate for its initial use any longer, the Texaco in Cowan remains a vintage treasure that is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
One of the strangest, and perhaps most memorable, gas stations in the United States is located right in downtown Cowan, Tennessee. The structure that once housed a gas station is now the Cowan Welcome Center, and its beautifully restored exterior is hard to miss.
The Texaco was fully operable at its inception in the early 20th century, but nowadays the space is used for photo opportunities and visits to the tidy little museum. The building was built in 1936, but the station saw its greatest traffic in the 1950s. The building was fully renovated in 2006.
The museum is open by appointment only, so you will want to email the town of Cowan if you’re seeking an educational opportunity. Isn’t it neat to see the old pumps against the town’s historic backdrop?
Inside, quirky mannequins help you understand just how the Texaco station was utilized in its heyday. If you make an appointment to visit the museum you can learn all about this little slice of Tennessee history, but yes, appointments are required!
Make sure you keep your eyes peeled when you’re here, friends. There are all sorts of vintage gems on the walls and throughout the property. The gas station may now operate as the Cowan Welcome Center, but that doesn’t mean it’s not truly fascinating.
What a fascinating place to visit! Have you ever heard of this quirky museum in Tennessee? It just may be the best gas station in the state...if you aren't looking for gas, of course.
What a fun place to experience! You can learn more about the Cowan Welcome Center on its official Facebook page, where the email to make an appointment reservation is housed as well.
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