Welcome To Memphis

Hernando Desoto saw the Mississippi River here first in 1541, but it took a few hundred more years to get the city started.  Memphis was founded in 1819 on the fourth Chickasaw Bluff overlooking the Mississippi. The original town was planned and laid out by three prominent Tennesseeans - James Winchester, John Overton and future President Andrew Jackson - primarily as a landsale venture with the name provided by Winchester, who foresaw the group's fledgling city become as great as its ancient namesake on the Nile. The founders wanted their city to be more than a profitable land venture, though. In plotting out the town, they made certain that it would contain ample room for parks and stipulated that the land along the scenic river bluffs should remain a "public promenade". Their legacy: a stunning panorama of the mighty Mississippi.

Although its first decades were rocky ones, Memphis' natural harbor facilities ensured that the city would, eventually, thrive. By the time the Civil War broke out, Memphis was the sixth largest city in the South, the third largest inland port in the country and one of the world's largest trading centers for cotton, the crop that was the backbone of the antebellum Southern economy.

Memphis fell early in the war to Union troops and, as a result, emerged from the conflict unscathed (when compared with other Southern cities). But what the war didn't ruin, disease did. During the 1870s, the city was decimated by several yellow fever epidemics and lost so much of its population that the city charter was revoked for the better part of a decade. Community financial leaders refused to give up their homes and led by Robert R. Church, born a slave and the South's first black millionaire, invested in rebuilding Memphis. In an attempt to ensure that disease would never have such dire effects on the city again, a vigorous public health foundation was established. As a direct result of these efforts, Memphis emerged as a major regional and national medical center.  Its pioneer spirit kept the city alive through hard times, and that spirit later flourished as Memphis gave birth to the blues, the first modern supermarket, Holiday Inns, Federal Express, Elvis, Sun Records and rock 'n' roll.

By the dawn of the twentieth century, Memphis was once again, and remains today, a thriving trade center. It has been called “America’s Distribution Center” due to its central location in the U.S. and easy access to highway, rail, and air transport of goods. At the same time, it is also one of the country's most "livable" cities. Incorporating a host of parks, museums, and similar amenities into its busy structure. The city’s founders' insisted on and still today exists the "public promenade", stretching along the river bluff. It’s a place to sit back and enjoy the many blessings - natural and man-made, which Memphis has to offer.

Almost abandoned after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. here in 1968, downtown is now enjoying a rebirth and revitalization. Even the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. King's assassination, has become the National Civil Rights Museum. Mud Island is worth a visit to check out the Mississippi River Museum and the Harbor Town residential development. Plans for the first hotel are underway for Harbor Town as well. While downtown, be sure to see the lighted Hernando de Soto bridge at night, as well as the Pyramid and ride the restored, vintage trolley cars through downtown and now also into midtown.

Spend the evening on Beale Street, not exactly like it was when Mississippi blues players traveled up Highway 61 to play here, but still home to lots of authentic Memphis music. See a show at the Orpheum Theater, or at least tour don't leave downtown without Peabody Place promises shopping and entertainment experiences without equal, including an IMAX theater.

Memphis is a basketball town, and the University of Memphis Tigers, are again making waves at the new FedX Forum and reminding Memphians of past glory days. Now, Memphis has acquired an NBA team---the Memphis Grizzlies. Their successful first year draft placed several prominent players some fine college talent to our town each December. The Memphis St Jude Golf Tournament is held each summer at SouthWind, our PGA course located just east of town. Sporting events in Memphis are a big part of the community and play an integral role in the family life in our town.

Memphis' most enjoyable annual events take advantage of its best seasons -- spring and fall. The Memphis in May International Festival, a month-long collection of events, includes the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Sunset Symphony. June brings the FedEx-St. Jude Classic golf tournament, Carnival Memphis and the Germantown Charity Horse Show. Fall, on the other hand, inspires festivals every weekend. Most enjoyable are the Cooper-Young Festival, Germantown Festival and the Mid-South Fair in September, and the Pink Palace Crafts Fair and the Arts in the Park Festival in October. Annual events in summer and winter are provided by Elvis and University of Memphis football.

In spite of the relentless August heat and humidity, thousands of fans from throughout the world converge on Memphis around August 16 to mourn Elvis' death, visit Graceland and participate in the Candlelight Vigil by his gravesite. Winter is a more jubilant season at Graceland, because Elvis' birthday is January 8; thus, Christmas and The King's birthday combine in a joyous parade of lights, tourists and events. Late December brings the Liberty Bowl to Memphis, pitting the Conference USA football champion against the Mountain West champion.

Tourism is a major industry in Memphis today with clost to $2.3 billion dollars in visitor expenditures. More than 4.2 million visitors go to the Beale Street Historic District, in downtown Memphis, making it the most visited attraction in Tennessee. Graceland is the 2nd most visited home in America with over 7000,000 visitors annually. Lastly, the Memphis Zoo attracts many visitors and is only one of four zoos to feature giant Pandas.

Sports, culture, history, music, nightlife, and sightseeing--You can find it all here in Memphis, TN.

If you are ready to search for your new home or need professional representation, please call us. Home (901) 380-1933 Crye-Leike Office (901) 260-4780
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