m Added Infobox
 
(6 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox settlement
| name              = Memphis
| official_name      = City of Memphis
| settlement_type    = City
| image_skyline      =
| image_caption      = Memphis skyline and Mississippi River
| subdivision_name1  = Tennessee
| subdivision_name  = United States
| established_date  = 1819
| population_total  = 630,000
| area_total_km2    = 839
| timezone          = Central (CST/CDT)
| postal_code        = 37501–38197
| area_code          = 901
}}
'''Memphis''' is a major city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of [[Tennessee]], located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll and remains a cultural, transportation, and economic hub in the Mid-South region.
'''Memphis''' is a major city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of [[Tennessee]], located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll and remains a cultural, transportation, and economic hub in the Mid-South region.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


Founded in 1819 by land speculators including future President Andrew Jackson
* Founded in 1819 by land speculators including future President Andrew Jackson


Named after the ancient capital of Egypt along the Nile
* Named after the ancient capital of Egypt along the Nile
 
Largest city in Tennessee until the early 21st century


* Largest city in Tennessee until the early 21st century


== Music and Culture ==
== Music and Culture ==


Beale Street – a historic strip of clubs and music venues that shaped American music
* Beale Street – a historic strip of clubs and music venues that shaped American music


Sun Studio – where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded
* Sun Studio – where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded


Stax Museum of American Soul Music
* Stax Museum of American Soul Music
 
Graceland – home of Elvis Presley, one of the most visited homes in the U.S.


* Graceland – home of Elvis Presley, one of the most visited homes in the U.S.


== History ==
== History ==


Key site in the American Civil Rights Movement
* Key site in the American Civil Rights Movement
 
National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968


Played major roles in the cotton and steamboat economies of the 19th century
* National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968


* Played major roles in the cotton and steamboat economies of the 19th century


== Economy ==
== Economy ==


Historically known for shipping, cotton, and music
* Historically known for shipping, cotton, and music
 
Modern economy includes logistics (home of FedEx), healthcare, education, and tourism


Port of Memphis is one of the largest inland ports in the U.S.
* Modern economy includes logistics (home of FedEx), healthcare, education, and tourism


* Port of Memphis is one of the largest inland ports in the U.S.


== Education ==
== Education ==


University of Memphis
* University of Memphis


Rhodes College – a liberal arts school with a scenic gothic campus
* Rhodes College – a liberal arts school with a scenic gothic campus
 
Major medical schools and research institutions


* Major medical schools and research institutions


== Transportation ==
== Transportation ==


Memphis International Airport (MEM) – global cargo hub for FedEx
* Memphis International Airport (MEM) – global cargo hub for FedEx
 
Major highways: I-40, I-55, and I-69


Amtrak and freight rail connections
* Major highways: I-40, I-55, and I-69


* Amtrak and freight rail connections


== Fun Facts ==
== Fun Facts ==

Latest revision as of 18:14, 10 June 2025

Memphis
Official name City of Memphis
Type City
Memphis skyline and Mississippi River
State Tennessee
Country United States
Established 1819
Population 630,000
Area (km²) 839
Time zone Central (CST/CDT)
ZIP code(s) 37501–38197
Area code(s) 901

Memphis is a major city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll and remains a cultural, transportation, and economic hub in the Mid-South region.

Overview

  • Founded in 1819 by land speculators including future President Andrew Jackson
  • Named after the ancient capital of Egypt along the Nile
  • Largest city in Tennessee until the early 21st century

Music and Culture

  • Beale Street – a historic strip of clubs and music venues that shaped American music
  • Sun Studio – where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded
  • Stax Museum of American Soul Music
  • Graceland – home of Elvis Presley, one of the most visited homes in the U.S.

History

  • Key site in the American Civil Rights Movement
  • National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968
  • Played major roles in the cotton and steamboat economies of the 19th century

Economy

  • Historically known for shipping, cotton, and music
  • Modern economy includes logistics (home of FedEx), healthcare, education, and tourism
  • Port of Memphis is one of the largest inland ports in the U.S.

Education

  • University of Memphis
  • Rhodes College – a liberal arts school with a scenic gothic campus
  • Major medical schools and research institutions

Transportation

  • Memphis International Airport (MEM) – global cargo hub for FedEx
  • Major highways: I-40, I-55, and I-69
  • Amtrak and freight rail connections

Fun Facts

  • Memphis barbecue is world-renowned, especially its dry-rub ribs
  • Hosts the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
  • “Memphis” means “Enduring and Beautiful” in ancient Egyptian

See Also

Tennessee

Southern States

United States Cities