Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA
Municipality
Location overview

Memphis is a city in southwestern Tennessee and the seat of Shelby County, on bluffs above the Mississippi River. Founded in 1819, it grew as a river port and trade center for the surrounding agricultural region. Blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll became central to its cultural identity. Beale Street and the National Civil Rights Museum preserve important chapters of the city’s music and civil rights history.