Memphis

mem'fis, a city of Tennessee. It is the county seat of Shelby County. It is situated on a commanding bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, sixty feet above high water. It is the head of what may be called deep-water navigation. The last bridge across the Mississippi as one goes down the stream crosses the river here. It is of steel cantalever construction. It cost $3,000,000, and was opened in 1892. The city is well built, and is a manufacturing center of importance. It lies about two-fifths of the way from St. Louis to New Orleans. It is the metropolis of Tennessee, and is the fifth city in importance on the banks of the Mississippi. Memphis is one of the great cotton markets of the world. Such articles as are wanted in an agricultural section of the Union are manufactured here. Memphis is the largest market for hardwood lumber in the Union. A large amount of artificial ice is shipped to surrounding points. The French built a fort here in 1698. The first American settlers occupied the site in 1819. The city has had a steady growth checked only by the Civil War. It appears to be the most northerly point reached by yellow fever epidemics. In 1900 the population was 102,320. Nearly half were of negro descent. The population is increasing rapidly. In 1909 it was 125,000. During the Civil War a battle between the gunboats of the opposing forces took place at Memphis. The city was occupied by Union troops July 6, 1862. The Gayoso House was used as a hospital. See Tennessee