Historical Marker

Highway 61 Blues

Marker provided by: Mississippi Blues Commission.

The Mississippi Blues Trail markers tell stories through words and images of bluesmen and women and how the places where they lived and the times in which they existed–and continue to exist–influenced their music. The sites run the gamut from city streets to cotton fields, train depots to cemeteries, and clubs to churches. We have a lot to share, and it’s just down the Mississippi Blues Trail.

The Mississippi Blues Trail is an ongoing project of the Mississippi Blues Commission. Funding for this project has been made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, AT&T, and the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University plus additional support from the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division.

For more information visit msbluestrail.org.

Blues Trail
The state has a diverse population that includes Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, as well as African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
Mississippi random facts
Tunica County, located in the state of Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were Native American tribes, including the Tunica, who lived along the Mississippi River. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish and French explorers establishing contact and trade with the Native Americans.

In the 18th century, the French established a presence in the region, establishing fortified settlements along the Mississippi River, including Fort Prudhomme. However, in 1763, as a result of the Treaty of Paris, France ceded control of the region to Britain. In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, Spanish forces captured the area from the British.

Throughout the 19th century, Tunica County experienced significant economic growth due to its fertile soil and location along the Mississippi River, which allowed for easy transportation of goods. The county thrived agriculturally, with the cultivation of cotton becoming a dominant force, leading to the rise of large plantations and an increase in slave labor.

During the Civil War, Tunica County, like much of the South, suffered greatly. It was the site of several skirmishes and Union Army raids, leading to the destruction of property and the decline of the cotton economy. In the years following the war, the county slowly rebuilt, and by the early 20th century, the introduction of mechanized farming equipment resulted in increased productivity and economic recovery.

Today, Tunica County is known for its casinos and tourism industry. The county has undergone significant development and has become a major destination for gaming and entertainment. It continues to preserve its historical roots, with several historic sites and museums that showcase the area's rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tunica County, Mississippi.

  • Tunica County was established in 1836.
  • The county was named after the Tunican Native American tribe who once lived in the area.
  • During the Civil War, Tunica County was mostly occupied by Union troops.
  • In the late 19th century, the county experienced rapid growth with the introduction of railroads.
  • Tunica became a major center for cotton production, with numerous cotton plantations dotting the landscape.
  • In the early 20th century, the boll weevil infestation and the Great Flood of 1927 devastated the agricultural economy of Tunica County.
  • In the mid-20th century, Tunica County struggled with poverty and lack of adequate infrastructure.
  • Tunica County became known for its casino industry in the 1990s, which helped boost the local economy.
  • Today, Tunica County continues to be a popular tourist destination and is home to several casinos and entertainment venues.