History
Cowan was originally founded in 1808 but remained a minor settlement for several years.
Cowan Railroad Museum
Cowan's establishment as a place dates from the mid-19th century and developed mostly as a railroad town. It was the site where several branch lines met the main NC&StL Nashville to Chattanooga trunk. As the last stop before the uphill climb onto the nearby Cumberland Plateau, pusher engines to assist trains in making the steep ascent were based there, and are still in use today.
The town's economy declined with the importance of the railroad after United States Highway 41A was built in the 1940's. The old passenger depot was restored as a museum, and is a focal point of the downtown area.
External Links:
Cowan Railroad Museum
Cowan Tourism
Cowan at Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
University of the South
NC&StL Preservation Society
Source: Internet