Though Memphis is world-famed as a land of music, yet it has several other reasons to brag about. Being a major industrial and commercial center, it is the most preeminent corner of western Tennessee. Yes, it is home to more than 6,50,000 people, but this huge population is, by no means, a stumbling block for the city. Memphis has witnessed a commendable transformation by the course of time, as a corollary, the city has been acknowledged as one of the greatest players in the field of education and medicines. Overton Park, downtown and midtown Memphis, German town Parkway, Audubon Park, and a lot of other significant facilities in Memphis speak volume about its culture, customs, personality, traditions, and the very nature of this city that lure you to stop by here at least once in your life.
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History of Memphis
Chickasaw Indians were the first who populated the Bluff City along the Mississippi River. In 1818, Chickasaw Indians gave up the area to the United States, and in 1819, Memphis city was re-established by the joint efforts and symbiosis of John Overton, Andrew Jackson and James Winchester. Memphis got its name from Andrew Jackson who drew inspiration from an Egyptian river and invented the name, ‘Memphis.’ In the wake of devastating Civil War, the city was severely hit by yellow-fever, and sadly, the city lost its charter in turn. It was hard-pressed financially. Time passed by, and things took a turn for better. In 1893, a new charter was vouchsafed to the city.
Important Locations in Memphis
In Memphis, the birthplace of famous quote: ‘Elvis has left the building,’ the show never ends. But, Memphis is not about merely the music. Hometown of Elvis Presley, Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, Memphis Zoo which is home to giant pandas, numerous art galleries and museums, and a lot of other iconic and sprawling attractions and landmarks are worth your jaunt to this Distribution Center of US.
Graceland: A 14-acre home turned place-of-pilgrimage belongs to renowned music whiz, Elvis Presley. There you can pay your visit to his tomb and traipse through his music room, pool room, TV room, and dining room. Moreover, the mansion also showcases his collection of awards, cars, gold medals, photographs, and costumes.
To know the place really well, click here.
National Civil Rights Museum: It was built to pay homage to civil rights crusader, Martin Luther King Jr. The museum is located at the infamous site of Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot dead.
Get more details here.
Sun Studio: Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, BB King are the products of Sun Studio whose music always make people to rock and roll. This recording facility encounters many artists who come and record their piece of music here.
Dig in more, click here.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens: Co-founded by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, Dixon Gallery and Gardens features the German art collection as well as French and American Impressionist paintings. Don’t forget to take a stroll through Memphis Botanic Garden and Lichterman Nature Center, and enjoy the eternal beauty of nature.
Gather more knowledge about The Dixon from here.
Memphis Zoo: ‘Top Zoo in the Country,’ ‘No. 1 Zoo in US,’ ‘Home to more than 500 animals and birds species,’ ‘Highest Visited Tourist Spots in Memphis,’ and there are many other things and achievements that Memphis Zoo lays claim to.
To get more of it, visit here.
Beale Street: An epitome of places to dance the night away. It has been revered as a place for nightclubs and chain of restaurants, hotels and museums. If nights appeal you more than days, then dig in the ‘Most Iconic Street of US,’ Beale Street.
Know more about it here.
Orpheum Theatre: It is one of those movie palaces which date back to 1920s. This noted performing arts center is fondly called ‘Finest Theatre of South.’
For detailed information, visit here.
Gibson Guitar Factory: A 45-minute Gibson's Memphis guitar factory tour will let you witness Gibson's dexterous luthiers indulging into guitar-making. You can also play a guitar of your choice at Gibson Factory Store.
Know more here.
People and Culture of Memphis
As far as population is concerned, Memphis is considered the most densely inhabited city in Tennessee. Over 6,50,000 people reside here. More than 91% of the population speaks English. However, you will also come across many other nationalities and races practicing and speaking other languages. It is the city known for its diverse culture, and a land consisting of African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, White, and Latino. It is a mystical land whose culture is underpinned by enchanting music.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Memphis
Memphis is in the Central Time Zone (UTC-6). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).
Standard Time Zone: CDT (Central Daylight Time)
Daylight Saving Time: 1 Hour
Current Time Zone Offset: -5:00 Hours
Time Zone Abbreviation: CDT
Phone Codes of Memphis
Memphis Area Code: 901
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Memphis
To get most out of it, plan a trip to Memphis between either April and May or October and November. During these months, the weather in Memphis is at its best, and you will find the place most accommodating at that time. You can also enjoy heavy discounts and other good deals during this time as festival mode is on everywhere in the city.
March-May
June-August
September-November
December-February
General Information Map of Memphis
