State Line Mob facts for kids

The State Line Mob was a group of people who were involved in illegal activities during the 1950s and 1960s. They operated near the border between Mississippi and Tennessee, specifically in Alcorn County, Mississippi and McNairy County, Tennessee. Their activities often took place along U.S. Route 45.

This group was known for selling illegal goods, running illegal games, and cheating visitors. Some members of the State Line Mob came from Phenix City, Alabama. They had moved from Phenix City after the state government sent in the Alabama National Guard to stop illegal activities there. This was a time when the military took over law enforcement, a situation called martial law.

The State Line Mob owned and ran motels, restaurants, and clubs. These places were located near the Mississippi–Tennessee state line and north of Corinth, Mississippi. These businesses were centers for their illegal operations. They made a lot of money from selling illegal items.

The State Line Mob's Activities

The State Line Mob was a group that broke many laws. They were involved in different kinds of illegal businesses. These activities helped them make a lot of money.

Illegal Businesses and Operations

The group ran several businesses that looked normal on the outside. These included motels, restaurants, and clubs. However, these places were actually used for illegal activities. They were set up to make money from things that were against the law.

• Selling Illegal Goods: The State Line Mob sold items that were not allowed to be sold. This was a major way they earned money.
• Illegal Games: They also ran games where people could bet money. These games were not allowed by law.
• Cheating Visitors: The group was known for tricking or cheating people who were traveling through the area. This was another way they made money illegally.

These operations were very profitable for the State Line Mob. They managed to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars from their illegal businesses.

Conflict with Sheriff Buford Pusser

The State Line Mob became widely known in the 1960s. This was mainly because of their ongoing conflict with Buford Pusser. He was the Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee. Sheriff Pusser was determined to stop the illegal activities of the State Line Mob.

Sheriff Pusser's Fight Against Crime

Sheriff Pusser worked hard to enforce the law in his county. He often clashed with the State Line Mob. His efforts to stop their illegal operations made him famous. The story of his fight against crime and the State Line Mob was so well-known that it inspired movies.

• Walking Tall Film Series: The film Walking Tall, released in 1973, was based on Sheriff Pusser's life. It showed his struggle against the State Line Mob and other criminal groups. Several sequels were also made, continuing his story. These movies helped share the story of the State Line Mob and Sheriff Pusser with a national audience.