Memphis, Tennessee

Fun things to do in Memphis:
Take a tour of Graceland See the birthplace of Rock N' Roll: Sun Studio Visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music Relax and experience the beauty of nature at the Memphis Botanic Garden Spend a day at the Memphis Zoo Experience the sights and sounds of Beale Street

The People of Memphis

Demographics:

The population of Memphis is estimated at 669,651
There are 262,190 households within the city limits
The average income per household is $35,143
People who live in Memphis use the area code 901 (Find a phone number in Memphis here)

Many famous people have lived in Memphis, including:
Elvis Presley, Kathy Bates, Morgan Freeman, Cybil Shepherd, George Hamilton, Danny Thomas, Justin Timberlake, Booker T. Jones, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Memphis Slim, Sam Phillips, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Ike Turner, George, “Machine Gun” Kelly, Brian Lawler, Jerry Lawler, Ric Flair, Reggie White, Tennessee Williams

Historical Notes:
Memphis was named by President Andrew Jackson – he gave it the name of an ancient Egyptian city.

Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland, opened up for public tours in 1982. It is still one of the state's major attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968.

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About Memphis
Hernando DeSoto, a European explorer, is credited with being the first non-native to enter the Memphis, Tennessee area in 1541. It would take more than 100 years for the next explorers to arrive - French Fathers Marquette and Joliet sailed into the Memphis area around the year 1682. By 1739 the French had established Fort Assumption in Memphis. In 1763 the Native Americans went to war with the French, and in the aftermath the English took control of the territory. This lasted until 1790 when Tennessee fell under the authority of the United States. It was officially declared a new state in 1796. The actual city of Memphis was established in 1819 by 3 men: General James Winchester, Judge John Overton and a General who would later be President, Andrew Jackson. As the population of Memphis grew several industries prospered, but the area was primarily known for cotton and other crops. The land boasted a rich soil base, so it was an ideal center of agriculture. Tennessee played a major role in the Civil War, was the site of major battles. After the war, Memphis was in dire need of repairs, but a breakout of yellow fever nearly brought an end to the city. Citizens who were already dealing with post-war conditions were plagued with this often-fatal disease for more than a decade, and historical records indicate that nearly 80% of the population was affected at some point. Finally, a new sewage system was built, and the epidemic was brought to an end. During the 1960's Memphis was a hotbed of civil rights activity. Disgruntled sanitation workers started a massive labor dispute in 1968, and Dr. Martin Luther King came to the city to help. The day before he was scheduled to lead a protest march, King was assassinated as he stood on the balcony of his hotel room. This led to massive race riots throughout the state and across the country. Memphis has long been recognized as a hub for music, especially Rock N' Roll. Legendary performers like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash helped gain notoriety for the city and their new form of music. Today Memphis is filled with great club and venues where you see new and experienced musicians give electrifying performances every night.

About Memphis

Hernando DeSoto, a European explorer, is credited with being the first non-native to enter the Memphis, Tennessee area in 1541. It would take more than 100 years for the next explorers to arrive - French Fathers Marquette and Joliet sailed into the Memphis area around the year 1682.

By 1739 the French had established Fort Assumption in Memphis. In 1763 the Native Americans went to war with the French, and in the aftermath the English took control of the territory. This lasted until 1790 when Tennessee fell under the authority of the United States. It was officially declared a new state in 1796.

The actual city of Memphis was established in 1819 by 3 men: General James Winchester, Judge John Overton and a General who would later be President, Andrew Jackson. As the population of Memphis grew several industries prospered, but the area was primarily known for cotton and other crops. The land boasted a rich soil base, so it was an ideal center of agriculture.

Tennessee played a major role in the Civil War, was the site of major battles. After the war, Memphis was in dire need of repairs, but a breakout of yellow fever nearly brought an end to the city. Citizens who were already dealing with post-war conditions were plagued with this often-fatal disease for more than a decade, and historical records indicate that nearly 80% of the population was affected at some point. Finally, a new sewage system was built, and the epidemic was brought to an end.

During the 1960's Memphis was a hotbed of civil rights activity. Disgruntled sanitation workers started a massive labor dispute in 1968, and Dr. Martin Luther King came to the city to help. The day before he was scheduled to lead a protest march, King was assassinated as he stood on the balcony of his hotel room. This led to massive race riots throughout the state and across the country.

Memphis has long been recognized as a hub for music, especially Rock N' Roll. Legendary performers like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash helped gain notoriety for the city and their new form of music. Today Memphis is filled with great club and venues where you see new and experienced musicians give electrifying performances every night.