Interesting Facts About Memphis

Nestled along the Mississippi River lies Memphis, Tennessee - a town well-known for its unique music and local food. But if you're planning a move to Memphis, you should know there's so much more to this great city other than jazz and delicious soul food. To help put you in the know before moving day, All My Sons Moving & Storage has compiled this list of interesting facts about Memphis. Enjoy!

1. Memphis is the largest city in Tennessee. As a leader in wholesale and retail, this city influences the economy in its home state and neighboring states as well. Memphis is also known for its medical and educational provisions.

2. Memphis is one of the largest distribution centers in the southern United States. Its inland port on the Mississippi River ships over 11 million tons of cargo annually, and its international airport has the largest cargo operation in the world.

3. Memphis is home to an abundance of local museums, which all focus on different historical time periods, culture, and art. If you're interested in learning more about the history of Memphis and how it shaped the town's culture, our local Memphis movers suggest starting out at the National Civil Rights Museum where the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. took place.

4. Memphis is known as the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll”. Many legendary musicians began their recording career in Memphis, including the King of Rock and roll - Elvis Presley.

5. More than half a million Elvis Presley fans visit Graceland every year. The Graceland mansion was home to Presley until his death in 1977. It is now open as a museum, where visitors have a chance to get a glimpse into the personal life of Elvis and pay tribute to the late rock star.

6. Memphis Sound was developed here. Stax Records produced the new genre of music, which is a mixture of blues and soul, in the 1960s and 70s.

7. Historical Mudd Island is located in Memphis. This unique park consists of a 50-acre island that sits in the middle of the Mississippi River. It is used to study the local river and is open to visitors year round. If you're moving to Memphis, be sure to take a trip to Mudd Island to take in breath-taking views of the waterway.

8. The Memphis in May International Festival runs for an entire month each year. The annual festival includes ‘round-the-clock live music on Beale Street, international events that represent various countries, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and a Sunset Symphony to close out the event.

9. Piggly Wiggly was founded in Memphis. Grocery store owner, Clarence Saunders, opened his first Piggly Wiggly in 1916. The store was the first of its kind as it allowed shoppers to actually browse the aisles and shop for themselves instead of placing orders.

10. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis at the Lorraine Hotel in 1968. The Civil Rights leader was in town supporting the Sanitation Worker's Strike when he was shot and killed on his hotel room balcony by James Earl Ray.