Tunica in Tunica County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
1245 Main Street
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
1. 1245 Main Street Marker
Leo Lesser, one of Tunica's most widely known entrepreneurs, constructed this building in 1890. In 1899, The Bank of Tunica opened its doors to the community.
On April 25, 1913, The Bank of Tunica shut its doors due to bankruptcy. Leo Lesser owned The Bank of Tunica. Such a story caused panic throughout Tunica. W. H. Powell, cashier, was appointed receiver of The Bank of Tunica. In 1919, he dispersed all receipts of The Bank of Tunica at 15 cents on the dollar. Leo Lesser ran, not to be heard from for 11 years. Upon his return in 1924, the District Attorney asked the court to set aside the indictments that were impending against Lesser for many years. The judge, in response to numerous petitions signed by citizens of Tunica County, let Lesser walk a free man.
Erected by Tunica Main Street.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 34° 41.319′ N, 90° 22.998′ W. Marker is in Tunica, Mississippi, in Tunica County. It is on Main Street just south of Fox Island
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1249 Main Street (here, next to this marker); 1251 Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Hotel Marie (within shouting distance of this marker); 1317 Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lane's Barber Shop (about 300 feet away); Harold "Hardface" Clanton (about 300 feet away); Leo Lesser Building (about 300 feet away); Tunica Full Service (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunica.
Regarding 1245 Main Street. Contributing property, Tunica Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 06000194.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Gene and Linda Ford (2004), and Richard J. Cawthon (2006 revisions):
Main Street and Edwards Avenue (originally East and West Edwards Street) are the heart of the historic district, located on either side of a broad median which was formerly the location of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad right-of-way. Commercial buildings line both streets. Brick sidewalks, curbs and landscaping accentuate the historic commercial area.Main Street and Edwards Avenue have consistently functioned as the commercial artery of Tunica since the founding of the town.
2. Marker detail: 1245 Main Street, circa 1920Planters Hotel building, 1245-1249-1251 Main Street, circa 1890
Two story, 9-bay brick commercial building with flat roof of tar composition, decorative parapet, cornice, dentils, two recessed panels, frieze, ornamental ventilators, storefront with off center, double leaf, wood panel and glass doors, display windows, kick plates, cast iron pilasters, second floor with segmented arch, 2/2 double hung sash windows with brick lintels.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Planters Hotel building, 1245-1249-1251 Main Street
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
3. 1245 Main Street Marker
The marker is mounted between the entrance and the windows on the right.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
4. 1245/1249/1251 Main Street (southeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
