Memphis has been described as both "the Metropolis of theAmerican Nile" and "a small town with a whole lot of peoplein it." This volume of vintage photographs captures the unique mix ofurban culture and rural roots in a community where great bridges andmodern buildings tower within sight of cotton plantations.In some 200 historic photographs accompanied by insightfulcaptions, Memphis traces the development of this truly American city.From the age of steamboats that carried cotton, lumber, and industrialproducts throughout the Mississippi River Valley to modern networksof railroads and highways, Memphis' location on the Fourth ChickasawBluff has made the city a natural transportation and distribution center.In spite of the devastating yellow fever epidemics of the 1870s andthe disastrous floods of the twentieth century, the commercial andcultural life of Memphis has flourished. Action scenes of urban lifedepict the busy streets, fine buildings, beautiful parks, and thrivingcommerce of pre-World War II Memphis. Within these pages, the city'sheritage and diversity are reflected in a variety of photographic essays,including the annual Mid-South Fair and Historic Beale Street.
Author John Dougan, Assistant Archivist at the Memphis/Shelby County Public Library and Information Center, has compiled a rich compendium of Memphis history using the extensive photograph collection of the Library's History Department. His tribute to Memphis represents one of the most interesting visual records of the city's people and places available in book form.