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North Delta Museum
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When the first Delta tourist - Portuguese explorer Hernando DeSoto - initially glimpsed the majestic Mississippi River in 1541, he was standing on a Coahoma County river bluff. The Tunica Indians built their mounds in between the present sites of Friars Point and Clarksdale. Their village, Quizquiz, was the capital of a rich province of thousands of Tunica Indians conquered by DeSoto.
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Located in the southwestern corner of Coahom County, Sunflower Landing at DeSoto Lake was likely the explorer’s post. Historic markers are scattered throughout the county, whether on U.S. Highway 61 or on rural roads, attesting to the historic impact of the Tunicas.
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Choctaw Indians also made their homes on the river bluff and left a dramatic imprint on the area. As the state’s largest tribe, the Choctaws at one time numbered more than 20,000.
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Indian mounds can be seen at Alligator, Roundaway, and Jonestown, although many are on private land. Please remember that it is against the law to disturb these sites. To see arrowheads, pottery shards and other artifacts, you can visit the North Delta Museum and Carnegie Public Library.
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The North Delta Museum is located in Friars Point at the base of the levee on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is an eclectic mix of Indian, Civil War and pioneer memorabilia and is open from 10 AM - 4 PM, and is closed on Sundays and on holidays. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 7 and under. For more information call Flo Redmond at 662-383-0051 or Friars Point City Hall at 662-383-2233.
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