www.sodesoto.com

29
+ 28
28
Park
1. Indian Burial Mounds
2. Memphis Minnie’s Blues Marker
3. Mississippi River Bluff
4. Presley’s Honeymoon Cottage
5. Octagonal House
6. Brown House & Great Pine Tree
7. Walker House
8. Big Walter Horton’s Blues Marker
9. Edmonson Cemetery
10. Snowden House
11. Wesson House
12. Olive Branch Old Towne
13. Olive Branch City Hall Museum
14. Blocker Cemetery
15. Miller Plantation House
16. Gus Cannon’s Grave Site
17. Joe Callicott’s Blues Marker
18. Jerry Lee Lewis Ranch
19. Baptist Industrial College
20. DeSoto County Courthouse
21. Hernando Water Tower
22. Old Hernando Memorial Cemetery
23. Felix LaBauve House
24. Desoto County Museum
25. Robertson – Yates House
26. Dockery House
27. James Meredith Shooting Site
28. Gus Cannon Blues Marker
29. DeSoto Visitors Center
West
DeSoto County, Mississippi...
a place so relaxing that the
days stretch before you, yet
so stimulating the hours fly
by... A destination so action
packed, yet so serene and
beautiful.
History-rich towns full of
charm and character offer a
unique brand of downhome
hospitality. Terrific
attractions including
shopping and dining,
championship golf and great
lodgings are all nestled right
here in DeSoto County.
With so many choices, stop
by the DeSoto County
Visitor Center and the
knowledgeable staff will
happily answer your
questions and provide you
with a comprehensive
Visitor’s Guide with great
recommendations on dining,
lodging, shopping and
exploring.
DeSoto County... so much to
see, so much to do, so much
to enjoy!
DeSoto County Visitors Center
4716 Pepper Chase Drive,
Southaven, MS 38671
{Lat 34.9298/Long -89.9948}
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
DeSoto County Tourism
4716 Pepper Chase Drive
Southaven, MS 38671-7432
662.393.8770
www.sodesoto.com

1. Indian Burial Mounds:
Walls, MS, 38680
{Lat 34.9754/Long -90.2149} Located down Norfolk Rd. from
the Memphis Minnie Mississippi Blues Trail marker, the Indian
Burial Mound is just yards off the road. It is protected land and
cannot be trespassed upon, but the mounds can be clearly
seen and walked around the perimeter. The Yazoo-Mississippi
Delta Levee Board maintains a collection of documentation on
these mounds and others in the area. Contact Reggie Barnes,
Education Consultant, Education Liaison, Yazoo-Mississippi
Delta Levee Board, (662) 624-4397 to learn more and/or to
arrange private tours for small groups. Privately owned land;
not open to the public without prior special arrangement.
http://www.leveeboard.org/
2. Mississippi Blues Trail Marker & Gravesite for Memphis
Minnie:
New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Norfolk Rd.,
Walls, MS, 38680
{Lat 34.9709/Long -90.1866} Memphis Minnie recorded actively
from the 1920’s through the 1950’s. In the 1970’s and 80’s,
there was a resurgence of fans of Memphis Minnie’s work as
she had developed a style that paved the way for such artists
as Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley. Many consider her to be the
greatest female blues singer. Her gravestone at New Hope
Baptist Church Cemetery was made possible by donations
from various music industries and artists Bonnie Raitt and Dan
Fogerty. Open year round.
http://www.msbluestrail.org/blues_marker_list
3. Mississippi River Bluff:
Delta View Dr. just South of Nail Rd., Walls, MS, 38680
{Lat 34.9369/Long -90.1421} A parking area is available on top
of the Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River Basin. The area
known as the Delta is the birthplace of Blues music and
agriculture.
4. Elvis & Priscilla Presley’s Honeymoon Cottage:
5921 Goodman Rd. West, Horn Lake, MS, 38637
{Lat 34.9562/Long -90.0936} Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent
their honeymoon in this cottage when it was part of Circle G
Ranch that Elvis owned. The home is not open for tours, but is
a popular site for visitors.
*5. Octagon House (“Mon Amour”):
Horn Lake Rd. just south of Nail Rd., Horn Lake, MS, 38637
{Lat 34.9430/Long -90.0587} Built in 1844 by Dr. Nathaniel
Raines as a gift to his bride, Ann Eldridge, this is an unusual
three-level, eight-sided house. Construction of the house was
under the direction of William Gwinn. The original house was
beautifully finished inside and out and has been restored to the
grandeur it deserves. Privately owned, not open to the public.
*6. Brown House and Great Pine Tree:
3600 Nail Rd. W, Horn Lake, MS 38637
{Lat 34.9480/Long -90.0525} Built before the Civil War, the
Brown House is owned by Annie Ruth and Winn Brown, Horn
Lake’s first Mayor. The great pine tree on display in the
DeSoto County Museum once lived in the front yard of the
Brown House. The story of the tree’s origin revolved around
the southern bandit Rube Burrow, whose men developed a trail
from Alabama to the Mississippi River and back. Rube and his
men brought to this area non-native pine trees to serve as a
sign: if a family would hide or feed his band, a non-native pine
tree in a visible spot would serve as a signal to them that it was
a safe house. Some obtained pine seedlings and planted them
in their yards so Burrow’s gang would hopefully not bother
their home. The Brown’s do not know if the person who
planted the tree was a friend of Burrow’s or one who wanted
to be viewed as such by his raiding gang. Privately owned, not
open to the public.
*7. Walker House:
Walker Rd., Horn Lake, MS, 38637
{Lat 34.9308/Long -90.0398} Historic residence of the misses
Mattie, Mary and Effie Walker. The home is located three and
one-half miles southeast of Horn Lake and includes historic
19 th century furnishings and a piano from the Civil War era.
Privately owned, not open to the public.
8. Mississippi Blues Trail Marker for Big Walter Horton:
E. Center St., Horn Lake, MS, 38637
{Lat 34.9614/Long -90.0275} Blues legend Big Walter Horton
“Shakey” Horton was a blues harmonica player and a native of
Horn Lake, Mississippi. He was the toast of Europe and
regarded as one of the most gifted blues harmonica players of
all time. Open year round.
http://www.msbluestrail.org/blues_marker_list
9. Edmonson Cemetery:
782 Stateline Rd. west of I-55, Southaven, MS, 38671
{Lat 34.9922/Long -90.0045} The cemetery was founded in
1844 and rests on a tree shaded hilltop. Graves include those
of early settlers, Indian traders, politicians, and Civil War
Veterans, and are the burial site of many famous DeSoto
County residents, including Anna Leigh McCorkle, author of
Tales of Old Whitehaven. A walk through the cemetery
provides a fascinating trip back through time. Open year
round from dawn to dusk.
10. Snowden House:
6205 Snowden Ln., Southaven, MS, 38671
{Lat 34.9500/Long -89.9335} An early 20th century home place,
located in Snowden Grove Park, Snowden House was the
summer home of the Snowden family. They donated the 4,000
square foot home to the City of Southaven so it could be used
and enjoyed by Southaven’s citizens. The property at one time
was known as “Bob White Farms,” and is surrounded by large
pecan, oak and magnolia trees. The home was restored by the
City of Southaven retaining (as much as possible) the original
1920’s style architecture. It was opened to the public in 2003
and is open year round, but tours are by appointment only; call
662-890-6726.
http://www.southaven.org/facilities.aspx?page=details&rid=31
11. Wesson House:
9133 Pigeon Roost Rd., Olive Branch, MS, 38654
{Lat 34.9616/Long -89.8289} Located on the southwest corner of
Pigeon Roost Road and Goodman Road Wesson House is one of
only three dedicated Mississippi State Landmarks in DeSoto
County (the other two being the Courthouse and the LaBauve
House, both in Hernando.) The site where the house is located
was included in the two sections of land (Sections 34 and 35)
purchased from Chickasaw Indian Chief, Lush-Pun-Tubby by
Milton Blocker and Stephen Flinn on April 13, 1836. In 1875, the
home of Olive Branch’s first Mayor, Ben Wesson, was constructed
on this site. Available for tours by appointment only; call
662-893-5219.
http://www.olivebrancholdtowne.com/wesson-house.html
12. Olive Branch Old Towne:
9207 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch, MS, 38654
{Lat 34.9623/Long -89.8282} Old Towne is a shopping district
that is bordered by Old Hwy 178, Goodman Rd. and Hwy 305.
The 41-acre area boasts a large concentration of antique, gift,
floral, and collectible shops and hosts concerts, fairs, and other
events.
http://www.olivebrancholdtowne.com/
13. Olive Branch City Hall Museum:
9200 Pigeon Roost Rd., Olive Branch, MS, 38654
{Lat 34.9618/Long -89.8272} Includes displays and exhibits on the
history of Olive Branch and its early settlers.
Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm.
14. Blocker Cemetery:
9467 Pigeon Roost Rd., Olive Branch, MS, 38654
{Lat 34.9553/Long -89.8230} The burial site for both Milton
Blocker and Stephen Flinn. Their families are considered some of
the first settlers to arrive in this area in March of 1836. Blocker
and Flinn were brothers-in-law because of marriages to the
Wilson sisters, Frances and Amorando. Open year round from
dawn to dusk.
*15. Miller Plantation House:
Miller Rd., Olive Branch, MS, 38654
{Lat 34.9166/Long -89.7704} This Greek Revival home built in
1849 was listed in The National Register of Historic Places on
July 15, 1982 for its architectural significance. This is a private
residence located near Old Highway 78 (US Highway 178).
Privately owned, not open to the public.
16. Gus Cannon & Yellow Fever Epidemic Gravesites:
Oak Grove M. B. Church Cemetery Hwy 51, Nesbit, MS, 38651
{Lat 34.8970/Long -89.9974} Born in 1874, Gus Cannon was a
banjo player who also “played the jug” and helped popularize
jug bands in the United States. He wrote and first recorded the
song “Walk Right In,” which became a number one hit for the
Greenwich Village folk group The Rooftop Singers in 1963. Also
of note at Oak Grove Cemetery are the graves of those who lost
their lives in the Yellow Fever Epidemic.
http://www.msbluestrail.org/blues_marker_list
17. Mississippi Blues Trail Marker & Gravesite
for Joe Callicott:
Mount Olive C.M.E. Church Cemetery, Getwell Rd,
Nesbit, MS, 38651
{Lat 34.8886/Long -89.9371} Born in October 1899, “Mississippi”
Joe Callicott was a blues singer and guitarist who spent his whole
life in the area south of Memphis. His chief musical associate was
Garfield Akers and as Akers’ second guitarist, he was first
recorded in 1929. Joe later recorded some sessions for blues
music documentarian George Mitchell in the late 1960’s, as part
of the blues revival of that era, which Joe Callicott is best known.
http://www.msbluestrail.org/blues_marker_list
18. Jerry Lee Lewis Ranch:
1595 Malone Rd., Nesbit, MS, 38651
{Lat 34.8824/Long -89.9191} This is the home of the legendary
rock and roll piano player, singer and recording artist. While the
home is not currently open for tours, “The Killer’s” legendary
piano-shaped gate has always been a popular draw for visitors.
http://www.jerryleelewis.com/
19. Baptist International College Historical Marker:
2831 Elm St, Corner of Hill St. and Elm St., Hernando, MS, 38632
{Lat 34.8186/Long -89.9982} This marker identifies the former
site of the historical Baptist Industrial College, a school for
African-American students. Founded in 1900 by the North
Mississippi Baptist Educational Convention, it was the first school
in DeSoto County to offer schooling to African Americans and
one of the earliest private schools in North Mississippi. Subjects
taught included grammar, music, printing, industrial arts, and
religion. The school was closed in 1960 and part of the original
building remains at this site.
20. DeSoto County Courthouse:
2535 Hwy 51 S., Hernando, MS, 38632
{Lat 34.8230/Long -89.9944} Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and as a Mississippi State Landmark, the current
DeSoto County Courthouse was built in 1942 after the first two
were destroyed by fire. Inside, visitors can view murals of Spanish
explorer Hernando DeSoto discovering the Mississippi River and
of his death and burial on the Mississippi River. The Historic
Court Square is also listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Courthouse Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
http://www.sodesoto.com
*Not Open to the Public
City of Hernando, Mississippi National Historic Districts
• Courthouse Square Historic District (National Register of
Historic Places.) Roughly bounded by Caffey, W. Commerce,
and Losher Streets and by Mississippi State Highway 51,
Hernando, MS
• Hernando Commerce Street Historic District (National
Register of Historic Places) Roughly bounded by Commerce
St., W of West St. S, Hernando, MS
• Hernando North Side Historic District (National Register of
Historic Places) N of Holly Springs St., E of US 51, W of
Northview St., on W. Northern St., W. Valley St., Shady Ln. &
Holly Springs St, Hernando
• Hernando South Side (Magnolia) Historic District (National
Register) Roughly bounded by Oak Grove Rd., Magnolia Dr., W.
Center St., and Church St., Hernando, MS 38632 Listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
21. Hernando Water Tower:
Losher St. and Church St., Hernando, MS, 38632
{Lat 34.8235/Long -89.9921} This Mississippi State Landmark
built in the 1930’s is believed to be the first public water
supply source in DeSoto County.
22. Old Hernando Memorial Cemetery & Confederate
Monument:
Oak Grove Rd., Hernando, MS, 38632
{Lat 34.8185/Long -89.9916} This Monument was erected in
1875, shortly after the Civil War. It is one of the state’s oldest
monuments dedicated to those who died for the Confederate
States. The cemetery has the largest number of Confederate
graves in DeSoto County with 100 marked graves and a mass
grave for 60 soldiers. Also, one of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s
homes was located near the cemetery entrance. Open year
round from dawn to dusk.
*23. Felix Labauve House:
2769 Magnolia Dr., Hernando, MS, 38632
{Lat 34.8198/Long -90.9895} This historic Antebellum home is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a
Mississippi State Landmark. It was built in 1866 by French
Immigrant Felix LaBauve, who was a founding father of the
City of Hernando and DeSoto County. He also started the first
newspaper in DeSoto County and served as a State politician.
Privately owned, not open to the public.
24. DeSoto County Museum:
111 E. Commerce St., Hernando, MS, 38632
{Lat 34.8234/ -89.9876} Displays and exhibits showcase the
history of DeSoto County including the discovery of the
Mississippi River in 1541, early European explorers, Civil War
era, African-American history, and a renovated log cabin built
circa 1850.
Museum Hours: Tues-Sat,10:00am-5pm. Free Admission.
http://www.desotomuseum.org
*25. Robertson-Yates House:
5000 Robertson Gin Rd., Hernando, MS 38632
{Lat 34.7868/Long -90.0247} Built in 1849 and listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, this house was also known
as Mussacuna Plantation. The “Battle of Hernando” was fought
near the house during the Civil War in June of 1862.
Privately owned, not open to the public.
*26. Dockery House:
3831 Robertson Gin Rd., Hernando, MS 38632
{Lat 34.8042/Long -90.0282} Built around 1876; this Victorian
style farmhouse and carriage house is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Privately owned, not open to the public.
27. James Meredith Site:
Approximately 100 yards south of the intersection of
Belmont Rd. _ and Hwy 51, Hernando, MS, 38632
(Approximately the 4700 blockb
of Hwy 51 South)
{Lat 34.7916/Long -89.9897} In 1962 James Meredith became
the first black student to successfully enroll at the University of
Mississippi. In June of 1966, he began one of the first Civil
Rights marches in U.S. history, which was intended to
encourage African Americans to register and vote. The march
started in Memphis, TN and was to end in Jackson, MS, but
was abruptly halted when Mr. Meredith was wounded by a
sniper while marching south of Hernando, MS on Highway 51.
Several weeks later, leaders of major civil rights organizations
including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Stokely Carmichael
finished the march.
28. Mississippi Blues Trail Historical Marker for Gus Cannon,
Robert Wilkins and Jim Jackson “Beale Town Bound”:
400 W. Park St, Hernando, MS 38632
{Lat 34.8209/Long -89.9965} Gus Cannon was a banjo player
who also “played the jug”. He wrote “Walk Right In”, which
was recorded by the Rooftop Singers. Robert Wilkins
showcased his marvelous ability as a picker. One of his songs,
“That’s No Way to Get Along,” was lifted by the Stones as the
basis for “Prodigal Son.” In 1927 Jim Jackson recorded “Jim
Jackson’s Kansas City Blues”, which became a best-seller.
Within the melody and lyrics can be traced the outline of many
later blues and rock and roll songs, including “Rock Around
The Clock” and “Kansas City.” The song “Wild About My
Lovin’” was covered by The Lovin’ Spoonful and released in
1967.
http://www.msbluestrail.org/blues_marker_list
29. DeSoto County Visitors Center:
4716 Pepper Chase, Southaven, MS 38671
{Lat 34.9298/Long -89.9948} Offers visitors free area
information, directions and maps. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm