Walking Tour of South Main Street Historic District

Introduction to the South Main Street Historic District

South Main Street Historic District

Photo by Teresa R. Simpson

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 buisnesses 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 this walking tour, we will visit some of the highlights of this historic neighborhood.

Index: Walking Tour of South Main Street Historic District

1. Introduction to the South Main Street Historic District
2. Art Village Gallery
3. Zanzibar
4. National Civil Rights Museum
5. Arcade Restaurant
6. D'Edge Art
7. Ernestine and Hazel's
8. Gestures
9. Muse - Inspired Fashions