Tupelo, Mississippi: Neon: First TVA City Sign
Neon "First TVA City" sign celebrates Tupelo's connection to the grid in 1934. You can't have neon signs without electric power.
- Address:
- 702 Main St., Tupelo, MS
- Directions:
- West edge of downtown, on the northeast corner of MS-6/N. Gloster St. and Main St.
- Hours:
- Best at night. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Visitor Tips and News About Neon: First TVA City Sign
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
The TVA Sign has long stood as an insignia of Tupelo. Standing in a small grassy area on the corner of Gloster and Main Streets (locally referred to as Crosstown), its neon lights up nightly, directing travelers to the downtown business district, "First TVA City."
In February of 1934, Tupelo became the first city to purchase electric power from the new Tennessee Valley Authority, the federal government's initiative to bring low cost hydroelectric power to rural areas in seven southern states. No records of the installation of the sign have been found. However, a document from 1954 shows the sign used as a logo, so the sign was erected some time prior to that year. The TVA Sign was listed as a local landmark on July 5th, 2011.
[Michael Hacala, 02/07/2021]Nearby Offbeat Places
Elvis Murals, Tupelo, MS - < 1 mi.
Where Elvis Got His First Guitar, Tupelo, MS - < 1 mi.
Touch the Hand of Elvis, Tupelo, MS - < 1 mi.Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.
