Tunica in Tunica County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
1317 Main Street
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
1. 1317 Main Street Marker
On March 30, 1908, one of Tunica's most prominent citizens was shot by another in a dispute between J. T. Lowe and Mr. Houston over an election to the Levee Board. Both men had words, departed, and went to arm themselves. Upon meeting a few minutes later, some conversation passed and one shot entered Mr. Houston's temple, causing death.
A $10,000 bond was posted, allowing the shooter to resume his activities. On Wednesday, June 10, 1908, another shooting startled Tunica. In this very location, as the daughter of the deceased met her father's shooter on the street, she turned and drew a Derringer from her handbag, shooting her father's former friend in the back.
The man whirled, pulling his gun just as the daughter fired a second shot, which missed as her sister grabbed her arm.
Seeing the assailant, the gentleman simply remarked, You are a lady, I won't shoot you. He entered this building, site of Dr. M. J. Alexander's medical practice and drugstore. He was immediately transported to a Memphis hospital by train, where he survived. Neither assailant was prosecuted and their descendants continued to be best of friends.
Erected by Tunica Main Street.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 34° 41.365′ N, 90° 22.993′ W. Marker is in Tunica, Mississippi, in Tunica County. It is on Main Street just north of Fox Island Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, at the right/north edge of the front facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1317 Main Street, Tunica MS 38676, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: Leo Lesser Building (a few steps from this marker); Hotel Marie (a few steps from this marker); 1251 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 1249 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 1245 Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lane's Barber Shop (about 400 feet away); Tunica Full Service (about 500 feet away); Harold "Hardface" Clanton (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tunica.
Regarding 1317 Main Street. Contributing property, Tunica Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 06000194.
From the National RegisterNomination prepared by Gene and Linda Ford (2004), and Richard J. Cawthon (2006 revisions):
2. Marker detail: 1317 Main Street, circa 1910
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.commercial building, 1317 Main Street, circa 1890-95
One story, brick commercial building with flat roof of tar composition, parapet, denticulated cornice, frieze with ornamental brick pattern, storefront with central, plate glass door, flanking display windows, kick plates, stone stringcourse, and ornamental ventilators.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 17, 2024
3. 1317 Main Street (east/front elevation)
The marker is mounted at the right/north edge of the faηade.
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 125 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
