The Bufford Pusser Exhibit Reopens At The Baxter Depot

The Bufford Pusser exhibit at the Baxter Depot is now open for visitors to honor the police officers of Putnam County.

Bufford Pusser was Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee, from 1964 to 1970. He has been the inspiration for many books, songs and movies for his efforts against crime. Baxter Police Department Chaplin Tim Sharp has collected Bufford Pusser memorabilia for over 20 years. He decided to share his collection with the depot to educate and inspire police officers of the future.

“I wanted the young officers especially to get to know who Bufford Pusser was, and the courage he had to fight corruption and crime on the Tennessee Mississippi line,” Sharp said.

Sharp said he received the majority of the collection from Pusser’s daughter’s friend. The collection was originally on display in April, but the depot closed to the coronavirus. Now, residents can view the collection of on Friday and Saturdays

“I have a suit that belonged to Bufford Pusser,” Sharp said. “I have his signature on his daughter’s report card. I have personal belongings like a comb and commemorative knives all made in his honor. I also have a Bufford Pusser stained glass window of him playing the role in the Walking Tall  movie.”

The Buford Pusser Museum in Adamsville was established at the home he lived in at the time of his death in 1974. A Buford Pusser Festival is held each May in his hometown.