Ask the Memphian: What are the Mississippi origins of Dashboard Jesus?
Dashboard Jesus on display at the DeSoto County Museum. According to Robert Long, curator of the museum, the movement for the Dashboard Jesus began just south of the Tennessee state line in Walls, Mississippi. (Courtesy Robert Long)
Whether glued to the vinyl dashboard of a 1960s sedan or referenced in folk songs and films, the Dashboard Jesus is a recognized piece of history birthed in DeSoto County.
While the figurine is often viewed today through the lens of nostalgia, its origins are rooted in religious devotion and highway safety.
Some may not realize its history back to a small town in the Mississippi Delta. According to Robert Long, curator of the DeSoto County Museum, the movement for the Dashboard Jesus began just south of the Tennessee state line in Walls, Mississippi.
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plastic Jesus Town of Walls DeSoto County Sacred Heart Auto League Cool Hand Luke DeSoto County Museum Sacred Heart Southern Missions Subscriber OnlyThank you for being a subscriber to The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Brandon LaGrone II
Brandon LaGrone Jr. is a Bluff City native who has earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU’s Manship School. He’s written for publications including The (Baton Rouge) Advocate and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
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