Memphis Then and Now


Memphis Then & Now

Downtown - The Core

The Core is the heart of Downtown and includes the oldest parts of the city. Some early structures remain, while others are lost to history. Take a virtual walk down Main or Beale Street and compare the historic images to the scenes you know today.

Downtown - South District

Originally a residential suburb, the South District of Downtown developed into a thriving commercial area in the early 20th century, with distinctive warehouses centered around the neighborhood’s most consequential feature: the railroad.

Downtown - Other

Downtown - Other covers the Northern and Medical Districts of Downtown Memphis, areas that were more residential than they appear today. Once home to the city’s first subdivision and the mansions of the city’s wealthiest residents, both districts are now dominated by medical facilities, including St. Jude.