Tunica in Tunica County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
1251 Main Street
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
1. 1251 Main Street Marker
The building at 1251 Main first opened as an IGA Grocery store. In 1932, the Kroger Store took over. Kroger moved to a building down the street. When Kroger moved out, Buford Murphree changed the grocery store to M & H Grocery. In the late 1970s, M & H Grocery shut its doors. Lucy Sands opened a clothing and apparel store called Latham's. Now 1251 Main houses the gift shop, 1251 Place.
The building at 1251 Main was built in 1890 by Leo Lesser, one of Tunica's most notorious men. Leo Lesser was a trusted banker with The Bank of Tunica, which was housed next door at 1245 Main. He ran off with two million dollars of the bank's assets. He was forgiven of any wrong doing in a court of law and given a party to celebrate his return.
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° 41.325′ N, 90° 22.997′ W. Marker is in Tunica, Mississippi, in Tunica County. It is on Main Street just south of Fox Island Road, on the right when traveling
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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); 1245 Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Hotel Marie (within shouting distance of this marker); 1317 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Lane's Barber Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leo Lesser Building (about 300 feet away); Harold "Hardface" Clanton (about 300 feet away); Tunica Full Service (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunica.
Regarding 1251 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 Streetand Edwards Avenue have consistently functioned as the commercial artery of Tunica since the founding of the town.
2. Marker detail: 1251 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. 1251 Main Street Marker
The marker is mounted on the right side of the 1251 entrance (the pink doors).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
4. 1245/1249/1251 Main Street (northeast 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 125 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
