The Depression took its toll on the businesses in the area and then later, in the 1950's, the declining railroad industry caused many of the neighborhood's businesses to fail. Through the 1960's and 70's, the southern end of downtown Memphis sat idle and virtually abandoned. It wasn't until the 1980's that the South Main District began to see life again. Now, more than twenty years since the first present-day business opened up on South Main Street, there are dozens of shops, restaurants, galleries, and nightspots which keep the district vibrant. On the pages ahead we will take a look at these places which make the South Main District unique.


