The Mississippi River is an iconic waterway that holds an important place in American history.
Beginning in Minnesota and extending through cities throughout the central United States, the river runs all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, covering a distance of more than 2,350 miles. Along that watery path includes some of the United States’ largest cities, including the biggest on the whole Mississippi River: Memphis, Tennessee.
With over 652,000 people calling it home, Memphis outstrips the population of the second and third largest cities, Minneapolis-Saint Paul and New Orleans, respectively, by over 100,000 people. In addition, the greater metropolitan area of Memphis, the Mid-South, encompasses more than 1.3 million people, larger than the city of Denver, Colorado, and the entire state of North Dakota.
Memphis is also a major economic center, boasting billions in revenue each year. As a commercial district, major companies such as FedEx, AutoZone and International Paper all have their corporate headquarters in the city. In addition, the city is an international center of music, home to many of the industry’s greatest stars. Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Johnny Cash all called it home at various points in their illustrious careers.
When it comes to entertainment, Memphis is unlike any other city, offering millions of people the chance to experience its unique arts, culture and cuisine. This includes two of the city’s most prominent locations, the National Civil Rights Museum, which commemorates Martin Luther King Jr., and Graceland, the iconic former home of Elvis Presley. Also, downtown Memphis is home to the iconic Beale Street, a nationally famed entertainment district where blues and jazz music can be heard for miles.
Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the largest cities in the United States, located on the Mississippi River Valley. With a population of over 652,000 people, the city is a major economic and entertainment hub. Its many attractions include the National Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, and Beale Street. Memphis stands out as the largest city on the Mississippi River, providing countless opportunities for entertainment, culture and business.
History of Memphis
Memphis has a storied history, beginning as a small village in 1819 and growing to become a booming economic powerhouse. Named after the ancient Egyptian capital, the city was initially part of the Chickasaw Nation before becoming a part of Tennessee in 1841. Over the next century, Memphis would become an important port city and a transportation hub for goods and services from the Midwest to other parts of the country.
During its heyday in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, the city was home to many industries, including cotton production, lumber, distilleries and many more. A variety of ethnicities also called the city home, making it a richly diverse cultural center.
In spite of its vibrant past, however, the city is no stranger to struggle. In 1968, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. rocked the city, sparking civil unrest and leading to an economic recession. In the decades since, however, Memphis has made a comeback, becoming the vibrant cultural and economic center that it is today.
Economy of Memphis
In addition to its musical and historical attractions, Memphis also boasts an impressive economic landscape. The city is a major logistics center and the home of many major employers, including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper. With such corporations, it is no surprise that the city brought in almost $2 billion in economic output in 2018 with a total of 76,810 business establishments.
In addition to notable companies, the city also has several major universities, such as the University of Memphis and Rhodes College, which act as major research hubs for the city. The city’s two hospitals, The Regional Medical Center at Memphis and Methodist University Hospital, are rated as some of the top 10 hospitals in the country.
Overall, Memphis has emerged as one of the United States’ most important cities, and its strong economy has positioned it well among the other major cities in the nation.
Tourism in Memphis
With its many attractions and booming economy, Memphis inevitably attracts a great deal of tourists each year. The city, which was once home to royalty such as Elvis Presley and other iconic figures in the music industry, is renowned as one of the most important locations in the world of pop culture. Tourists come from across the United States and other parts of the world, looking to experience the city’s impressive sights.
From the National Civil Rights Museum and the Rock and Soul Museum to Graceland and the art galleries of South Main Street, Memphis offers a wide range of attractions for tourists who wish to experience the city’s unique culture and history. Also, the city’s Hubb’s Grocery Store was, in 2018, named one of the top 10 ‘best places to eat in Tennessee’ by the TripAdvisor awards.
Overall, Memphis not only has a lot to offer its citizens, but is a prime destination for tourists who wish to experience the culture and history that has made the city so famous.
Impact of the City on the Environment
With its strong economy and numerous attractions, Memphis does have an impact on the local environment. The city is located in a flat river basin, wedged between the Mississippi River and several smaller waterways. As a consequence, any contaminants that enter the rivers through the city can have a lasting impact on the region’s ecology.
For this reason, the city’s government has been dedicated to curbing any potential pollution effects. The city has implemented initiatives to reduce air, water, and soil pollution as well as implementing green initiatives into its construction policies. The city also has a budding public transportation system and is taking steps to reduce emissions and improve public transportation access.
Overall, the city of Memphis is taking proactive steps to reduce its environmental impact, helping to protect the beauty of the area while instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in its citizens.
Memphis and the Mississippi River
The city of Memphis stands as the largest city on the Mississippi River. Its population, economic success, and cultural diversity have made it a major attraction for tourists and citizens alike. From its wild and diverse music scene to its growing economy, Memphis can truly be seen as a unique American city, standing as testament to the power of the Mississippi River.
In addition, the city’s dedication to preserving its beauty and protecting its environment has helped ensure that the Mississippi River, its many tributaries, and the culture that spawned from it will remain intact for many years to come.
