Restoring A Legend

Buford Pusser in his famous 1974 Corvette.

After his wife’s death, Pusser hunted the State-Line Mob with renewed determination and did not stop until he had successfully dismantled it entirely.

During his time as sheriff, Pusser inspired the Walking Tall movies becoming known across the globe as the sheriff who brought justice to a small town.

Now the jail where Buford Pusser tirelessly worked during his 6-year tenure, is being restored as a historical destination.

The 69-year-old building and county courthouse was active as sheriff headquarters from 1948 to 1994. It was also an operational jail.

Restoration began on July 31, 2017 through a $50,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant from Tennessee Economic and Community Development and the State of Tennessee.

Jessica Huff, McNairy County tourism director, says the majority of visitors go to the Buford Pusser Home and Museum in Adamsville. Now they will be able to tour the place where he worked.

“It’s amazing, the look on their faces, it’s like us going to Disneyland. We just don’t think about it like that but to everyone

else, the closest thing they’ve seen is the movies. They can’t even believe this man was real,” said Huff.

Dwana Pusser Garrison, the only child of Buford and Pauline, said the Pusser family is honored and humbled by the restoration.

“We’re just grateful that the folks of McNairy County see the historical and tourism value of it,” she said.

“What we’re doing in Adamsville is huge and I just hope [the office/jail restoration] brings even more people into West Tennessee and McNairy County.”

Visitors will begin the tour in the basement of the courthouse, view the office of Buford Pusser, and end in the jail. Along the tour, visitors will be able to see the writings and names of former prisoners and employees etched into the walls of the jail.

Tina Mullis, Buford Pusser Home and Museum curator, said there are no current plans to display any of Buford Pusser’s personal items at the jail, but she would not be opposed to it.

One of the goals for the restoration is to not only drive tourism in Selmer, but to the whole county. Huff says restoring the jail will boost tourism within the community and instill a sense of community pride. Restoration is expected to conclude by the end of 2017.

Admission to the Buford Pusser Home and Museum is $8.00 for adults; $5.00 for seniors, military, and law enforcement; and $3.00 for children ages 7-17. Admission for the jail tour is free as visitors will enjoy a self-guided tour.

Buford Pusser at desk with parts of a whiskey still.