James Lee House in Victorian Village.
By Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell
Fall is here! It’s not so hot any more but also not so cold as to deter a bit of walking about and exploring some of Memphis’ hidden treasures. With this article, I hope to introduce you to some of our city’s lesser known sites of interest, history and fun.
Often overshadowed by Shelby Farms, Meeman-Shelby Forest is a Tennessee State Park bordering the Mississippi River and located at the south-western edge of Shelby County. The 12,000-plus acre park is home to over 200 species of birds as well as deer, beaver, otter, foxes, and bobcats. A nature center is on premises with exhibits and information about wildlife in the park. There are 20 miles of hiking trails, a 5-mile biking trail, and horse trails for horse owners. There are two disc golf courses. Poplar Tree Lake is great for fishing, relaxing, and boating. The park rents canoes, paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats, and motorized johnboats. For boat owners, there are a boat ramp and docks that can be accessed for a small fee. If you want to spend the night, check out the two room cabins or bring your gear to camp. Picnic tables and grills are also available. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers fun for the whole family throughout the year.
After years of saying I was going to do it, I finally visited the Mallory-Neely and Magevney houses this summer. Located on Adams Avenue downtown, these homes as well as the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum provide incredible historic views of Memphis in the 1800s. Built in 1852, the Mallory-Neely House is truly a mansion with 25 rooms, hand painted ceilings, stain glass windows, and mostly original furnishings. One of the oldest remaining homes in Memphis, the 1830s Magevney House, is a typical pre-Civil War middle class home with a kitchen garden and trees planted in honor of U.S. Presidents dating from the 1800s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Homes, the Woodruff-Fontaine House is now a museum. It was designed by renown Memphis architect Edward C. Jones. Two other historic homes have been repurposed. James Lee House has become a bed and breakfast while the Mollie Fontaine Taylor House is now a popular bar and lounge. Whether you want a drink or a tour, take a trip to the Victorian Village to relive a bit of our history.
Two people you need to know are Jimmy Ogle and Tad Pierson. They both offer unique ways to experience Memphis. Jimmy Ogle is simply a legend. He is currently the Official Shelby County Historian and has served as the Peabody Duck Master, Director of the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum, Director of Beale Street Landing, and the list goes on. How I know Ogle is through his fast paced, enthusiastic, wildly informative walking tours of the Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse, Beale Street, Court Square, and Union Avenue manholes. I highly recommend you look him up at jimmyogle.com.
Another Memphis original is Tad Pierson of American Dream Safari. Pierson offers a number of opportunities to explore Memphis, but what I have known him for is his driving tours. In a 1955 Cadillac, Tad Pierson will introduce you to everything Memphis from Elvis to Al Green to soul food to Sun Records, and beyond. He is extremely knowledgeable and every tour is tailored to the customer. Set your tour up today by texting or calling Tad at 901.527.8870.
Finally, Elmwood Cemetery is a must. Elmwood is where Memphis history rests. Everyone from family members of our nation’s and city’s founding fathers to Civil Rights leaders are buried there. Beyond the permanent residents, the history and statuary are remarkable. Founded in 1852, it was a part of the Rural Cemetery Movement that incorporated park-like settings with ancient trees, beautiful vistas, and inspiring monuments. Elmwood Cemetery is a real Memphis gem. Find tour information at elmwoodcemetery.org.
While the weather is pleasant, gather the family and friends and go discover these hidden Memphis gems. That said, I am sure I missed any number of other hidden Memphis treasures. If you know of some, please feel free to send them to me at: djacksonmaxwell@gmail.com
Dr. D. Jackson Maxwell is an educator, freelance writer, and lifelong biggest ball of twine chaser. Please forward questions or comments to: djacksonmaxwell@gmail.com.
