The city of Memphis Tennessee boasts a long and colorful history. This city is in the Southwest corner of Tennessee and was founded in 1819. Elvis Presley called Memphis home, as did legendary Blues guitarist B.B. King. Memphis is known as the birthplace of Rock N' Roll and where Blues music was born. Memphis is host to a world famous BBQ competition each year. The city attracts large numbers of tourists annually. There are many great historical sites and museums within the city limits. If you plan to visit Memphis some time soon, here is a list of sites you may wish to visit.
Memphis Music Hall of Fame: This museum contains the second largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world. Only Graceland beats them in this category. They have a large collection of Blues records dating back to the 1920's and 1930's. Included are instruments once played by Memphis musicians along with photos and memorabilia recounting the city's musical past.
Mississippi River Museum at Mud Island River Park: The exhibits in this museum traverse the history of life on the Mississippi river. Here you can find Civil War era cannons, and personal effects from some of the soldiers that fought in that war. The history of transportation on the Mississippi is covered. This museum also has a display of pottery found in the Mississippi Valley that dates back 10,000 years.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens: The Dixon Gallery is located on Park Avenue in East Memphis. Some of the 2000 permanent pieces here date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Landscapes and portraits from Britain and France are featured. The galleries contain impressionist and post-impressionist paintings as well as decorative arts, sculpture, and porcelain. You can stroll along paths that wind through 17 acres of beautiful trees and flower gardens.
Historic Elmwood Cemetery: The land for this cemetery was acquired in 1852. It is known for its beauty and tranquility. Over 70,000 people are buried here including Confederate and Union soldiers, as well as veterans of every war ever since that time. Various political figures, doctors, lawyers, and spies are also buried here. When you visit the cemetery you will find beautiful statues, wildflowers, majestic trees, and a butterfly garden.
Graceland: Graceland is one of the most visited homes in the United States, second only to the White House. Located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, Graceland was the home of Elvis Presley. This home was where Elvis went to escape the pressures of his life and where he spent time with his family. It is also the place where he died. Tours of Graceland include the living and dining rooms, the kitchen, the business office, the Jungle Room, and the building in which Elvis played racquetball. The tour also includes the Trophy Building, which houses the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world. Included in this building are his records, awards, costumes, and some of his jewelry. The last part of the tour is the "Meditation Garden" where Elvis and some of his family members are laid to rest.
Litcherman Nature Center: The Litcherman Nature Center features 65 acres of gardens, forest, and a lake. Most of the species of flowers and trees found here are native to the region. The "Backyard Wildlife Center" includes animals and hands-on learning for the kids. They offer nature walks and an underwater viewing area. Throughout the year the Center hosts various festivals, special events, and plant sales.
Memphis Brooke Museum of Art: This museum opened in 1916. It features a large collection of British and French Impressionist artwork as well as some modern day pieces. You can find artwork from Greece, Africa, and Asia. Some other permanent displays include sculpture, decorative arts, and textile pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Memphis Pink Palace Museum: The Pink Palace museum is a great experience for the whole family. They have a replica display of the very first self-service grocery store, the Piggly Wiggly. The history of Memphis stretching back to the first Spanish explorers is chronicled here. The museum also features dinosaur bones and various fossils.
The Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum: Located on Adams Avenue in Memphis, this house is a beautiful Victorian mansion that was built in 1870. The home was restored in 1962 and features Victorian antiques and an extensive textile collection. Guided tours and a gift shop are available.
The Magevney House: Built in 1836, this clapboard cottage was originally owned by Eugene Magevney. Eugene was one of the first schoolteachers in the Memphis area. This house was also where the first Catholic Mass in Memphis was held. You can tour the home as it was in 1850. Many of the family's personal possessions remain in the house.
