Are you looking to explore the history of Memphis through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Memphis including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Memphis. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Memphis ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Memphis, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Memphis for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Memphis
Let's witness the history of Memphis with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Graceland
(1688 Votes)
This place was home to the evergreen singer, Elvis Presley. It was in the initial stage of the singer’s career that he bought a lovely house at Audubon Drive. As his fame started touching heights, the craze of fans outside his apartment started increasing and this started disturbing the neighbors. As a result of this the singer realized that a new home was much needed. The house of Gracel...Read more -
Sun Studio
(1219 Votes)
This is a recording studio in the heart of the city that was set up by the very famous rock pioneer Sam Philips. This studio was earlier known as The Memphis Recording Studio that shared the same location as the Sun Records Label Business. After Sam Philips recorded his first solo album naming it Sun Records in 1952 and since then the place was known as the Sun Recording Studio. From its very i...Read more -
National Civil Rights Museum- Lorraine Motel
(822 Votes)
This is a complex of museums and historic buildings controlled and administered by the Civil rights Society. The museum and buildings are the symbols of the Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century to the present. The place is significant also because Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in front of this motel. The first hotel here was a 16 room accommodation that was meant mostly to serv...Read more -
Elmwood Cemetery
(212 Votes)
The Elmwood Cemetery is a rich piece of history. A tour along this place takes you back to the past and the residents themselves seem to narrate their own stories. It is like knowing about the past of the beautiful city from the souls that rest here. A number of tours are organized along this large garden and cemetery to suit your choices. Along with the decorated gravestones and lovely flower ...Read more -
This is a historic house that is also said to be the last stop of the secret Underground Railroad. This road was the escaping path for the slaves and captivated people from the Black origin. This house was owned by a German immigrant by the name of Jacob Burkle who was a baker by profession. The slaves who were forcefully brought here and made to survive in pathetic conditions could escape via ...Read more -
Levitt Shell
(82 Votes)
Built in the year 1936, this is a historical destination. It is because the legendary Elvis Presley performed in his 1st rock ‘n’ roll show over here. Till date, every year, Levitt Shell puts up as many as 50 concerts and performances all for free. All thanks to the local people and communities for their unending support. -
Memphis Cotton Exchange Building
(56 Votes)
This Cotton Exchange building was a result of the growing demand of cotton in the city and suburbs. The traders realized that they needed a trading organization to fix up rules and regulations regarding cotton trade in the city. The building was set up as an administrative body in the cotton industry. The New York Cotton Exchange and the Orleans Cotton Exchange were there even before and were e...Read more -
Wither's Collection Museum And Gallery
(26 Votes)
Ernest Withers was a photojournalist based in Memphis and is known for his eternal love for the city. He dedicated the museum to the state where his fantastic collection of historic photographs is on display. These include every part of the city’s past including revolutions, nature, culture, music, sports and all else. This includes photographs of the beautiful tourist attractions of the ...Read more -
This architecturally unique building houses the history and memory of the late entertainer Danny Thomas who was the founder to St. Jude’s. The history of ALSAC and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital are also preserved in here. A part of the pavilion is decorated with the displays focusing on the life of Danny Thomas as a humanitarian and on the other hand the history behi...Read more -
Fedex Forum
(16 Votes)
If you are in Memphis and there is a game or concert organized at the Fedex Forum, don’t miss it. Opened in 2004, this arena has an area of 75000 square meters. You will notice the round dome of the arena from the outside. It has 32 club suites, 27 courtside suites, 80 club boxes and 4 party suites. It was the first arena to adopt the ‘see through’ shot clocks so that the spec...Read more -
Crystal Shrine Grotto
(6 Votes)
You will be mesmerized by the calm and peaceful setting of the Crystal Shrine Grotto | Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. This is a significant spot where not only tourists, but local people also come to soothe their eyes and mind. The grotto is the main attraction of this place. It was created by Dionicio Rodriguez, a Mexican artist in the year 1935. The grotto is small but its neatness ...Read more -
Museum Pink Palace
(158 Votes)
This is the Mid- South’s major science and historic museum. This belongs to the Association of the State of Museums and the Pink Palace Family of museums. The exhibits of the museum range in all fields of culture and history. The First Americans: The marks on a mastodon bone makes clear a successful Paleolithic excavation into the ancient Mississippi life. There was some mysterious civil...Read more -
Woodruff-Fontaine House
(44 Votes)
This is a historic building located in Adam’s Avenue that was once known as the “Millionaire’s Row” mainly because of the upscale people who resided here. The place was abandoned for many years and at last was taken over in the year 1962. The association for the preservation of Tennessee Antiquities took over to make this and the James Lee Memorial as a beautiful museum....Read more