Absolutely loved this museum. So much history, especially Civil war history which is my favorite!…read moreThis is definitely a diamond in this town. Ok,... random history lesson to go along with it! Thomas Carmichael Hindman, Jr. was a voice for Arkansas's secession and was essentially Arkansas's most prominent Fire-Eater. When Arkansas voted 65-5 to secede in May 1861, Hindman resigned from the U.S. Congress and recruited a regiment in Helena. He requested the state government for muskets, clothing, and 10 days of rations so that his men could "fight for our country." By September 1861, Hindman was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and soon participated in the disastrous Kentucky Campaign, followed by the Battle of Shiloh, where he was slightly wounded. After his recovery, Hindman was promoted to Major General and appointed commander of the Trans-Mississippi Department to prevent an invasion by the Union troops led by Samuel Curtis. Events in Arkansas had taken a terrible turn, and when Hindman arrived in Little Rock, Arkansas, he found that his command was "bare of soldiers, penniless, defenseless, and dreadfully exposed" to the Federal Army that was approaching. Hindman commenced a campaign of misinformation designed to mislead Federal authorities about the strength of the state's defenses. He also diverted Texas troops bound for Virginia for use in the defense of Arkansas. This confused the Federal authorities, causing them to divert from the capital and instead move to Helena. By August 1862, the authorities in Richmond decided to replace him (due to locals and political opponents complaints) with Theophilus H. Holmes. Hindman convinced Holmes to give him a field command in northern Arkansas. Hindman managed to intercept the Federal army while it was divided into 2 parts. Rather than attack the divided pieces, Hindman entrenched himself at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, allowing the Federal forces to recombine and assault him. After Prairie Grove, Hindman was transferred across the river and participated in the Battle of Chickamauga alongside his friend Pat Cleburne. After being wounded in the neck at Chickamauga, Hindman and his legion continued to fight along with the Army of Tennessee against General William Tecumseh Sherman, across north Georgia from the First Battle of Dalton to the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. On July 4, 1864, at Kennesaw Mountain he was struck in the eye by a tree limb and fell off his horse. Hindman suffered severe injuries that left him unfit for service and made him have to recouperate. Afterwards, he applied for a transfer to the Trans-Mississippi Department. His request was denied, but Jefferson Davis offered a leave of absence until he had fully recovered from his "physical disability". Hindman set out for Texas and arrived in San Antonio and settled there with his family for the time being. By May 1865, Confederate generals in New Orleans signed a document detailing terms of surrender. Hindman refused to surrender and, along with many other ex-Confederates, he crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico and sought asylum. He engaged in coffee planting and attempted to practice law. By April 1867, he was confident enough to return to Arkansas and apply to President Andrew Johnson for a pardon. Hindman's application was one of the few denied. At around 9:30 on the night of September 27, 1868, Hindman was assassinated by unknown assailants who fired through his parlor window while he was reading his newspaper with his children. The musket shots hit Hindman in the jaw, throat and hands, and he died 8 hours later due to significant blood loss, ending the life of Arkansas' highest ranking Confederate military officer. Before his death, Hindman gave a farewell speech from the porch of his house. He told listeners to "unite their courage and determination to bring peace to the people." "I do not know who killed me; but I can say, whoever it was, I forgive him." "I forgive everybody, and hope they will forgive me." Afterwards, he was too weak to continue speaking, and he sat down on a lounge. He remained there until he died early next morning. Hindman's assassins were never caught.

Wonderful local museum with an amazing collection!read more

Reading Kyle's five-star review months ago was the first time I knew about the Center For Southern…read moreFolklore and I was intrigued, but for some reason it was put on the back burner, until I realized the Mayan Apocalypse is approaching. From their website, I found out a girls Jookin' contest would be held at the center one Friday evening and decided to see it for myself, having heard about the style from a dance show (no, it's not Dancing With The Stars). I didn't realize Jookin' was Memphis-born and most dancers are males. Despite starting almost an hour later than scheduled and being slightly disorganized (understandably, as an amateur contest), it was a fun event with a great community feel. As far as my inexperienced eyes could tell, some girls have the potential to "make it" in the Jookin' world. As a first-timer, I found the layout of this place a little confusing. The Jookin' contest was held in the hall, which is at the end of the hallway if you enter from the Belz Museum (another gem!) entrance off Main Street and you will also find a refreshment concession there, but that's not where they sell the peach cobbler raved by a previous reviewer, at least not that evening. The peach cobbler (which unfortunately did not impress me), along with gifts, works of art, a limited selection of food and drinks (including beers), is sold at the store off Main Street two doors down from the Belz entrance. The store is also where they normally host live-music events. As soon as I stepped inside the colorful, funky store, I was sold, so I dragged the hubby there the very next evening for the Deering & Down performance, despite knowing very little about them (yes, we had been living under a rock). As a music venue the store holds about 40 seats -- including a few tables and a few rows of seats -- plus some standing room. It's casual and intimate, setting the stage for an enjoyable evening. But it turned out to be more than enjoyable. It was exhilarating thanks to the knockout performance by the duo (plus special guests) who rocked their hearts out for almost three hours non-stop. Live music doesn't get much better than this! The ticket prices are very very affordable ( a mere $5 for Deering & Down!). The crowd is a mix of locals and out-of-towners. In fact, a business woman from NYC at the table next to ours also went to see the Jookin' contest like I did the night before and was thoroughly impressed. In short, you owe yourself a visit! If the world still stands after tomorrow.

Today was not my first time at the Center for Southern Folklore. I love their music festival…read more It's free and features a ton of local talent. Actually, I saw John Paul Keith & the 145's for the first time there & feel in love with their music, instantly. In addition to the festival, the Center has some unique gifts. They sell everything from t-shirts, postors, local art, local food (Rendezvous spicy popcorn, ugly mug coffee & sometimes - when you're lucky - local honey), and random, quirky souvenirs. I ventured to here for their brown bag lunch & music today. It's a great opportunity to check out someone new (to me). The inside of the store has a funky design; plenty of bright colors. There's a stage with colorful screen doors as a backdrop. It gives the audience a feeling of watching someone strumming the guitar on their front porch. It's just missing the rocking chairs. They sell beer, so you can have a cold one while listening to some down home music. Also, they have cobbler & a couple of southern inspired sundaes, like pecan pie. Yum!

Amazing and formative experience. there are some elements that were a little heavy but its expected…read moreespecially since its attatched to the hotel where the MLK assassination occured. What I liked is that it did not only focus on that ... but also traced the history of the civil rights movement in America from the time of the chattel slave trade to current day. PROTIP: there is so much information and so much to see... I suggest you give yourself at least 2 hours when visiting. I made the mistake of going 1.5 hrs before i had to b at the airport and was only able to see the 1st building and even then i felt that i had to rush through towards the end of my time there. The exhibits, sculptures, pieces, and installations were well done and keep you engaged the entire time.

Only Love and Light can conquer their opposites." MLK, 1963…read more Ok that fateful day in 1968. The shots rang out. Who knows why? But for all the wrong reasons we can see the legacy that Martin Luther King left behind. They have dedicated this place to his legacy. Let's go inside the museum. The legacy of his life is outlined here. The strife of the world. This is living history. The vision that he had and what he has done. The quiet proof and all that happened here. The car the way life was set all those days ago. The museum outlines historic events in a difficult way and time when the world was involved in much change. This is a must see..... when you come to Memphis. The mystery and myth of love and light can be seen here . The value is something you cannot put a price on . Freedom! For all! You will learn something here. This self proclaimed leader will shake you . Bring tissues and at least two hours to see the museum. The parking is on street for best results. Again, living history. The speaker box outside on the side walk outlines the "day of." Love and light are what he left.

Beale Street was created in 1841 by Robertson Topp and was originally known as Beale Avenue (named…read moreafter a forgotten military hero). The central part of Beale was known as "the underworld" and was mostly inhabited by saloons and brothels which attracted musicians and artists until the 1870s when Memphis fell victim to the yellow fever epidemic. The population dwindled so severely that Memphis lost its city charter in 1879. After the yellow fever epidemic, black Memphis businessman Robert Church bought land around Beale Street. It proved to be a good investment because it led to him become the first black millionaire in the South. In 1890, The Grand Opera House, now known as The Orpheum, was renovated. In 1899, Church paid the city to create Church Park at the corner of 4th and Beale. It became a recreational and cultural center. Speakers in the Church Park Auditorium include Woodrow Wilson, Booker T. Washington, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. From the 1920s to the 1940s, Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Memphis Minnie, B. B. King, Rufus Thomas, Rosco Gordon and other blues and jazz legends played on Beale Street and helped develop the style known as Memphis Blues. On December 15, 1977, Beale Street was officially declared the "Home of the Blues" by an act of Congress.

More than a century ago, music began pouring into Memphis. Musicians of all races & backgrounds…read morecame together for the love of music and created a sound that changed the cultural complexion of the world forever. America's music exploded out of Memphis. Today, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame honors many of the greatest musicians of all time, who created this city's musical legacy. Memphis Minnie, Willie Mitchell, Sam Phillips, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, Nat D. Williams, ZZ Top are just some of the inductees.

I saw a tik tok promoting a fall exhibit with a house made of pumpkins. My kids would love it so we…read moreloaded up and went to check it out. #1- I cannot believe this was free entry. The Memphis botanic gardens charges an arm and a leg, granted its much bigger, but the Dixon gardens felt more intimate, timeless, and classic. Parking was easy and there were several entrances. We were greeted upon entry and asked our zip code. She gave us a sticker and we went on our way inside the gates. You could walk on multiple paths once you enter. I appreciated how they had a lot of benches along the paths for rest breaks. This place was like going to another time. My kids and I enjoyed walking through the paths and seeing the sculptures the most. I definitely suggest stopping here to check it out.

Indoor and outdoor options. Lovely gardens. Great art variety. Very peaceful and unrushed…read more Beautiful October day with the Pumpkin House photo ops. The outdoor paths were nice. Enjoyed the variety of flora and fauna.

Wonderful museum! Whether you're knowledgeable in cotton history or not, still a very cool place to…read morevisit!

" A Must See In Memphis "…read more The Cotton Museum is a must see wen you are in Memphis, TN. Most people only want to see and think of music when they come to Memphis. But the Cotton industry is a huge historical story on how the city of Memphis grew over the years. Seeing this Museum will answer most of your questions about the cotton Industry. The have videos, and many displays for you to see, walk around , touch, and wonder about.

Have been there for the Symphony, other concerts, and the Nutcracker. Have sat in the balcony and…read morethe main floor. Doesn't seem to be a bad seat anywhere for acoustics (obviously the balcony and rear seats on the main floor make visuals tougher). Seats are relatively comfortable for a tall (6'2") individual. Not familiar with local parking (I wouldn't recommend at night), but the underground parking lot is pretty convenient

I am sitting in the city that gave birth to the blues. Watching arguably the greatest active guitar…read moreplayer of the Blues genre. This place is only 1/4 full. It is a crying shame. Not many times in my life have I ever said that I am ashamed of Memphis. Tonight I am. If you are the promoter of this venue, please consider finding something else to do with your life. You suck at promoting.

I really have enjoyed the variety of shows that have been held here over the past 5 years. The…read moreexpansion has been great.

My wife and I absolutely love the orpheum. We try to catch any show that might interest us. It was…read moreour anniversary. My wife got us tickets to see Gary Owen because she knows how much I love seeing him. The show was absolutely great and she picked some very good seats. I did feel like he cut the show just a little short. There's always that one drunk person that wants to yell out from the crowd. I think it was starting to irritating. What can you say about the orpheum? That hasn't already been said. It's a very nice historical place. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars. Is because like everyone else, they take advantage of people on concessions. I realized back in the day. This is the way places made their money. It's a little different these days. They make plenty of money on the shows. My other small complaint is the seating. Although its way better than Minglewood Hall, the seats are just too close together. I'm a big fella, and it's just very uncomfortable. Overall, they put on great shows and the place is very nice. I definitely wouldn't let the small things stop you from going.

I accidentally ended up at this spot, I was actually supposed to be at Blues City Cafe, and I'm so…read moreglad I did! The atmosphere was welcoming, lively, and full of great energy. I sat at the bar, and my bartender did not miss a beat. Even though I was dining alone, she continued to check on me and made sure I was taken care of throughout the evening. I got to enjoy two different bands, and both were amazing! However, the final performance was definitely my favorite. Her voice was both soothing and powerful, and when she started singing Tina Turner, all I could do was smile. What an incredible performance! Now, let's talk about the ribs! They were delicious, full of flavor and literally falling off the bone. The baked beans were good, although they didn't blow me away. The green beans, however, were a miss for me. I think they were trying to do too much with them; sometimes simple is better. Overall, I had a wonderful experience. The live music, atmosphere, and those ribs made this accidental stop well worth it. I'm definitely glad I ended up here, and I would absolutely recommend checking this place out, especially if you enjoy live music and good barbecue!

I stopped here for food and drinks when I was in Memphis for a night. It's definitely super…read moretouristy, but hey! I was a tourist. There was a $10 cover which I was told goes to support the band. The restaurant seems to be pretty big. It looks like it's 2 stories. I sat at the main bar on the first floor. Service was terrible. The bartender was very inattentive and acted like she had a giant chip on her shoulder. I ordered the ribs and a local draft lager. The food and drinks were very good. I was hoping for a Memphis dry rub, but they were doused in bbq sauce. The ribs weren't as good as what you can probably find at other places in Memphis, but they had good flavor. The baked beans were very sweet and watery. The coleslaw was great. The live band was amazing. That night it was the BB King All-Stars. They played a wide variety of musical genres spanning several decades. One song was so good, I was brought to tears. Overall, I had a decent time. The live band saved the night for me. I went on a slow Tuesday night in September, so there really wasn't much open on Beale St to choose from.

My spouse and I came here while we were in Memphis. For anyone who is interested in American…read morehistory, especially in the south. This is one spot you will want to check out as this was a house that was used during the underground railroad that runway slaves would come as a safe spot to hide before running off to the northern states. If you are in the area I would highly recommend visited it. [Review #722] (20th Review of 2024)

Stopped here last week and the business profile stated Open Now hours, but the museum grounds and…read morebathrooms in back are in seriously disrepair. Wish we would have had the opportunity to take the tour but this place was closed and I suspect not currently in operation. There are a lot of nice murals in the area, be safe while driving around this area due to horse carriage businesses. Grind City Brewing is nearby, as well. Hope to visit when the Slave Haven museum and tour is open again.