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