General stores tell a story of Mississippi’s past, but very few remain. This little store in Rolling Fork has quite the history – and it’s downright charming.
The Onward Store opened in Rolling Fork in 1913.
Jimmy Smith/flickr This place has a charming history. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt came to the area by invitation of Mississippi’s Governor Andrew Longino to hunt bear. The hunting camp was set up right where the store is now located.
When President Roosevelt refused to shoot a captive, wounded bear, he made national news for his kindness.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr The creation of the Teddy Bear came about because of that hunting trip. Today, a marker stands in front of Onward Store.
Like every proper general store, Onward Store has a wonderful front porch.
Nolan G./Yelp Sit for awhile with a cold drink and relax on the porch.
The old vintage gas pumps have been restored, and the store still provides gas to customers.
Corl E./Yelp
Inside, you’ll find just about everything you could ever want.
Beth E./Yelp
Beth E./Yelp
The original cash register and safe are still in the store.
Beth E./Yelp
One wall in the store is dedicated to the history of this special place.
Cindy M./Yelp Take a look at vintage photos and relics from the past.
You’ll find some truly unique items here.
The Onward Store/Facebook Many are locally-produced or created.
The Onward Store/Facebook
Take home an “Onward Store” t-shirt or hat to commemorate your visit.
The Onward Store/Facebook
You’re definitely going to want to take home some of The Onward Store’s homemade jellies and jams.
The Onward Store/Facebook
And of course, you can get a Teddy Bear.
The Onward Store/Facebook
The Onward Store also features a restaurant.
Beth E./Yelp
Onward Store has become well-known for its tasty burgers
Nolen G./Yelp Juicy and delicious, these burgers might change your life. Or at least your afternoon.
The fresh pork rinds are so yummy.
The Onward Store/Facebook And the “comeback” sauce is downright addictive.
Mollie’s Tamales are a great menu choice.
The Onward Store/Facebook They’re authentic and so delicious.
Visit The Onward Store at Highway 61, Rolling Fork.
The Onward Store/Facebook The store is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm; Closed Sunday.
Have you been to Onward Store? Tell us what you thought!
Jimmy Smith/flickr
This place has a charming history. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt came to the area by invitation of Mississippi’s Governor Andrew Longino to hunt bear. The hunting camp was set up right where the store is now located.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
The creation of the Teddy Bear came about because of that hunting trip. Today, a marker stands in front of Onward Store.
Nolan G./Yelp
Sit for awhile with a cold drink and relax on the porch.
Corl E./Yelp
Beth E./Yelp
Cindy M./Yelp
Take a look at vintage photos and relics from the past.
The Onward Store/Facebook
Many are locally-produced or created.
Nolen G./Yelp
Juicy and delicious, these burgers might change your life. Or at least your afternoon.
And the “comeback” sauce is downright addictive.
They’re authentic and so delicious.
The store is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm; Closed Sunday.
For more general stores in Mississippi, take a look at this article.
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