{"id":11876,"date":"2023-09-28T07:55:14","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T06:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=11876"},"modified":"2023-09-28T07:55:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T06:55:14","slug":"is-memphis-east-of-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/is-memphis-east-of-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Memphis East Of The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Memphis is known for its rich and vibrant cultural heritage, which dates back to pre-Civil War days. But many people don’t realize that the city sits directly on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It was the first city to be declared a port of entry in the United States, and its history of riverboat trading stretches back hundreds of years.<\/p>\n

Geographically, Memphis is situated just to the east of the Mississippi River. The city’s boundaries are demarcated by the river on the west and low-lying hills on the east. The largest river in North America, the Mississippi has played an important role in the city’s development and growth over the centuries. It has been an important trade route, providing Memphis with access to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It has also served as an important food source, with the river’s nutrient-rich waters providing sustenance to the city’s fishermen and wildlife. <\/p>\n

From a historical perspective, the Mississippi has always been the dividing line between North and South. After the Civil War, many freed people sought refuge in Memphis, as the city lay on the Union side of the river. As a result, Memphis attracted a diverse range of settlers from all over the South and, as a result, it has become one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. <\/p>\n

In addition to its geographic location, the Mississippi River has been an important feature in the city’s cultural life. For centuries, musicians and writers have drawn inspiration from the river and many of the city’s most iconic songs and stories have focused on the river and its impact on life in Memphis. The river has also been an important element in the city’s religion, with baptismal ceremonies often taking place in the Mississippi. <\/p>\n