Tunica in Tunica County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Hotel Marie
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
1. Hotel Marie Marker
Hotel Marie reopened December 15, 1918, after it had burned in March of 1918. It was built by W. R. Kirby and named in honor of his wife, Marie Irwin Mangum Kirby. Her father, R. C. Irwin, was one of the founders of Tunica.
In the early days with the train running twelve times a day, six trips north and six trips south, the Hotel Marie was the undisputed Tunica social center. W. C. Handy played for dances on the weekends.
With the recent restoration of the Marie as a fine dining destination, this grand old lady takes her rightful place on Tunica's Main Street.
Over the years, Hotel Marie has housed a bank; several drugstores; a police department; a grocery store; offices for attorneys, doctors, and dentists; and a liquor store.
Erected by Tunica Main Street.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 15, 1918.
Location. 34° 41.355′ N, 90° 22.996′ W. Marker is in Tunica, Mississippi, in Tunica County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Fox
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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: 1317 Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Leo Lesser Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 1251 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 1249 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 1245 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Lane's Barber Shop (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harold "Hardface" Clanton (about 500 feet away); Tunica Full Service (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunica.
Regarding Hotel Marie. 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: Hotel Marie, circa 1919Hotel Marie, 1301 Main Street, 1918
Two story, brick commercial building with flat roof of tar composition, decorative parapet, running bond and header course trim, stone cornice, stone sign panel, ornamental ventilators with stone surrounds, canted entryway with wood and glass door, stone lintel and flanking pilasters, 12/12 double hung sash windows, stone belt course, second floor with 12/12 double hung sash windows.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
3. Hotel Marie Marker
The marker is mounted on the right side of the southeast corner entrance.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
4. Hotel Marie (east elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
5. Hotel Marie (southwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
6. Hotel Marie (southeast elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
