In 1820 John Overton, James Winchester and Andrew Jackson founded Memphis. It was named after the ancient capital of Egypt. It wasn’t until 1826 that the city became incorporated. Because of its location on the Mississippi River, Memphis became a major river port dealing in cotton and slavery. In 1857 Memphis got a railroad, which further enhanced its economy.

Located in Memphis was the home of Jacob Burkle, who ran a way station for escaping slaves, hoping to get to the Underground Railroad and freedom.
During the Civil War, the Union Army attacked and captured Memphis and it stayed in Union hands throughout the war.

On April 27, 1865, at approximately 3 a.m., near Memphis the steam powered passenger boat Sultana exploded, killing between 1500 and 2000 Union troops who were returning home from the war. At that exact time, a mysterious Confederate soldier appeared and within a few hours of heroic effort, became the legendary unknown hero of the Sultana.

Yellow fever epidemics during the 1870s almost destroyed Memphis. There was no cure for it in those days, in fact the cause of it was unknown. People either died or left Memphis in attempts to avoid it.

In later years, it would become the home of blues and ultimately, the birthplace of rock n roll. Sun Records, the exact birthplace of rock n roll is located in Memphis. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other rockers were making a new sound in the company of county musicians and blues greats like B.B. King, Howlin Wolf and Junior Parker.

While all this was going on, outside something else was happening - Bar-B-Cue! Memphis is known worldwide as the Bar-B-Cue capital of the world. Only the best need to attempt to sell bar-b-cue in Memphis. It is believed by many that Memphis was the area where bar-b-cue originated.

STRANGE OCCURANCE IN MEMPHIS:

In 1877, live snakes, ranging in lengths up to 18 inches, rained down on southern Memphis!

THE PEABODY HOTEL:

When visiting Memphis, consider staying at the Peabody Hotel, but don't step on the ducks! That's right, ducks! Every morning at 11 a.m. a red carpet is rolled out and the ducks march out of the hotel to the fountain outside. After spending the day in the fountain, the red carpet is again rolled out at 5 p.m. and they march back in to their suite on the roof of the hotel! They are well trained and quite orderly in their march. You'll love the Peabody Hotel! To learn more, click here.