Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Governor "Turkey Runner"
— Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 23, 2018
1. Governor "Turkey Runner" Marker
Governor McNutt
In 1838, Alexander McNutt was elected the twelfth governor of Mississippi, serving until 1842. After two terms as governor, he moved back to Vicksburg to continue his law practice.
Governor McNutt House
Constructed in 1826 and purchased in 1829 for $900.00 by Alexander McNutt. This home has withstood Civil War battles and ravaging storms. The rear addition was added in 1832 when McNutt married Vicksburg native, Elizabeth Cameron.
During the Siege of Vicksburg Confederate Lieutenant David Weeks Magill was killed by a shell fragment in the garden of this home. He was buried by candlelight on the west side of the yard and his headstone is still in place.
The Turkey Runner
During his lifetime McNutt was acclaimed as a witty teller of stories, but his abilities as a humorous writer were little known. His stories were printed in the popular "Spirit of the Times" and were signed "The Turkey Runner". Probably only the editor and a few others knew for sure that this was McNutt's pseudonym. Most of his stories were about the adventures of Jim and Chunkey, two backwoods guys who worked for a wealthy cotton planter named "The Captain".
Erected 2017 by the City of Vicksburg. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series.
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Location. 32° 21.285′ N, 90° 52.725′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of Monroe Street and First East Street, on the left when traveling north on Monroe Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 805 Monroe Street, Vicksburg MS 39183, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Strong in Faith (here, next to this marker); Bethel A.M.E. Church (here, next to this marker); Prince Hall Masonry Founded in Mississippi (a few steps from this marker); Vicksburg's First Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Planters' Hall (about 400 feet away); Happy Home (about 400 feet away); Dr. David D. Foote (about 500 feet away); Main and Cherry (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg.
More about this marker. Marker located diagonally across Monroe Street from the McNutt House.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 23, 2018
2. The McNutt House
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 23, 2018
3. Governor "Turkey Runner" marker with McNutt house in background.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
