Memphis, Tennessee
What do Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King have in common? Aside from being music legends, they all started their careers in Memphis, Tennessee. The city is known to be a great source of musical inspiration as it is home to founders of genres such as Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, Gospel and Crunk. When moving to Memphis, you will soon find yourself moving to the beat of this lively city.
Economy:
Once predominantly agricultural, Memphis now enjoys a diverse and flourishing economic climate. With transportation as its strongest asset in the economic arena, the city is an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution operations. The service sector accounts for the majority of employment in the area. With its bright economic outlook, it is expected that more people will consider moving to Memphis in the years to come.
Three Fortune 500 companies (FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone) have their headquarters in Memphis. FedEx began its operations in 1973, with 14 small aircraft delivering packages from Memphis International Airport. Today, FedEx averages more than 6 million shipments per day, and serves more than 220 countries and territories. International Paper, organized in 1878, is the largest paper and forest products company in the world, with operations in more than 40 countries. AutoZone opened its first Auto Shack in Forrest City, Arkansas, in 1979; the company is now a leading auto parts retailer, with more than 3,400 stores nationwide.
History:
The Spaniard explorer Hernando DeSoto was the first European to visit Memphis. He is said to have crossed the Mississippi near the site of Memphis in 1541. The area was strategically important during the time of the British, French, and Spanish rivalries in the 18th century Andrew Jackson, General James Winchester and Judge John Overton were considered the "founders" of Memphis. They established the city in 1819. Memphis was incorporated in December 19, 1826. The city lost its charter in 1879 after a devastating yellow fever epidemic that claimed 5,000 lives. With hard work and determination, the city regained its charter in 1893.
The National Civil Rights Museum, built in 1991 at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was assassinated, is considered to be Memphis' most recent contribution to the incessant struggle for the betterment of human relations and improving life. The city also elected its first African-American Mayor, Dr. Willie W. Herenton, in the same year the Civil Rights Museum opened.
Tourism:
Memphis, Tennessee has the second most visited house in the United States (the first being The White House): Graceland, Elvis’ home. The mansion attracts over half a million visitors each year. The full Graceland experience includes a tour of Elvis’ living room, music room, parents' bedroom, dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and the famous Jungle Room.
Graceland is just one of the many exciting attractions that visitors come to see in Memphis. The Memphis in May Festival attracts people from around the globe. Held annually, people come to compete in its International BBQ cooking contest. The festival also draws thousands to the banks of the Mississippi for live concerts and the Sunset Symphony. Memphis is also home of the Peabody - queen of Southern hotels, Mud Island - the final resting place of the Memphis Belle and the National Civil Rights Museum, which is the only one of its kind in the world. Sports attractions in Memphis include the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium and the FedExForum.
Colleges/Universities:
• University of Memphis
• Christian Brothers University
• Southwestern at Memphis College
Interesting Facts:
• In the late 1990s Memphis made a name for itself as a center for movie making. Movies filmed there since then include “The Rain Maker,” “Great Balls of Fire,” The Firm,” “The People vs. Larry Flint,” and “ Cast Away.”
• Memphis is the Pork Barbeque Capital of the world.
• The first Piggly Wiggly store was opened in Memphis in 1916. It was the world’s first self-serve grocery store.
Helpful Links:
• Memphis Real Estate
• Memphis Storage Facility
• Memphis Insurance
• Memphis Dental Offices
• Memphis Moving Guide