The University of Memphis is not the only thing in the city of Memphis. Unlike most colleges, the University of Memphis is set in the largest city in the state of Tennessee and the 20th largest city in the United States. Thanks to hundreds of public and private businesses calling Memphis home, it has been steadily on the top of the job creation list for U.S. cities.
Three Fortune 500 companies have headquarters in Memphis:
1. Federal Express is the world’s largest express transportation company in the world. From 1993 to 2009, FedEx’s “SuberHub”, located at the Memphis International Airport, was supporting the largest cargo operations in the world. Hong Kong recently became #1.
2. With their headquarters in Memphis, International Paper who is the largest pulp and paper company in the world, supplying thousands of jobs locally. From producing the top fast food chain’s cups to printing paper, IP does it all.
3. Lastly, AutoZone has their headquarters directly on the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. They are one of the largest distributors and retailers of aftermarket automotive parts. With over 5000 stores nationwide, it’s easy to run into one.
Hospitals & Research
1. Widely known for never denying a child top medical care, St. Jude Pediatric Cancer Center is one of the top research hospitals in the country and is located in downtown Memphis. Since 1962, St. Jude’s daily goal to eliminate childhood incurable diseases has benefited thousands of children who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to pay for medical care or get the special love and attention needed.
2. Le Bonheur is one of the largest private hospitals in the country. With over 70,000 children treated in the emergency room, the first U.S. children’s hospital with a 3 Tesla iMRI, and over 80,000 radiology exams yearly, Memphians feel safe knowing they are in the midst of one of the best children’s hospitals in the country.
Colleges and Universities
The University of Memphis, Rhodes College, Le-Moyne Owen College, Southern College of Optometry, Christian Brothers University, and Baptist College of Health Sciences… to name a few.
History
Memphis may be known as the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll” and “Home of the Blues”, but Memphis started out as a transportation hub since it was high on the bluff which eliminated flood concerns. After the Civil War, Memphis became the cotton capital and hardwood capital of the world.
During the 1960’s, the infamous sanitation worker’s strike opened America’s eyes to Memphis’ civil rights issues. The distinct racial divide could be felt from whites and African Americans which resulted in a rich musical melting pot.
Some musical artists to begin in Memphis is Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Robert Johnson, W. C. Handy, B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. Jones, Al Green, Alex Chilton, Justin Timberlake, Three 6 Mafia, The Sylvers, to name a few.
Famous Museums, Parks, Hotels, and Food
There is always an educational and entertaining spots to check out in Memphis.
Don’t miss Graceland, Stax Museum, Sun Studios, Rock and Soul Museum, Children’s Museum, Memphis Botanical Garden, National Civil Rights Museum, Peabody Hotel, Corkey’s BBQ, Main Street Trolleys, Shelby Farms (one of the largest urban parks in the United States), Beale Street, Minor League Team Memphis Redbirds, NBA Team Memphis Grizzlies, river boat ports…….. so much more!
Memphis in May
Memphis in May Festival shuts down Memphis’ Tom Lee Park, located directly on the river, for locals and guests to enjoy a month long festival including special weekly events. Events include Beale Street Music Festival, International Week, the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest, and Sunset Symphony.
Not to mention, we have best water in the country!
