North Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee facts for kids

Quick facts for kids North Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
Country	United States
State	Tennessee
Counties	Shelby
Settled	1937
Incorporated	1942
Area code(s)	38108-38128

North Memphis is a big area in Memphis, Tennessee. It's one of five main parts of the city. This area is made up of many smaller neighborhoods. Some of these include Klondike, New Chicago, Douglass, Hyde Park, and Hollywood. Other neighborhoods are Nutbush, Binghampton, Smokey City, Scutterfeld, Frayser, and Raleigh.

History of North Memphis

North Memphis grew a lot during the 1800s and 1900s. Klondike and Smokey City are two of the oldest communities for African Americans in Memphis. Important neighborhoods like Speedway Terrace, Vollintine-Evergreen, and Shelby Forest were once home to rich families. They also had many busy factories.

Early Developments

In 1887, the Memphis Artesian Water Company started digging special wells. These wells helped create a modern sewer system for North Memphis. Later, this water facility was taken down. This made more space for parking at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Industrial Growth

On January 19, 1937, the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company opened a large factory. It was in the New Chicago neighborhood of Memphis. This factory became Firestone's most successful one. In 1942, International Harvester built a huge plant in Frayser. It was the biggest farm-equipment factory in the Southern United States.

Changes in Industry

By the end of the 1900s, the factories in North Memphis started to close. Many manufacturing jobs disappeared. This was due to a process called deindustrialization. Companies like Firestone, International Harvester, and Maybelline stopped their operations. Some companies that stayed were chemical plants. These plants were known for causing a lot of pollution. The Douglass community still had eight polluting factories.

Music in North Memphis

North Memphis has been home to many talented musicians. Famous artists like Laura Dukes and Gary Harrison came from this area. Many well-known rappers also grew up here. These include Project Pat, Juicy J, Yo Gotti, Snootie Wild, Ceo D.We$t, Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte, and C-Mo.

Images for kids

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  Memphis National Cemetery

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  Speedway Terrace

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  Firestone Park in Frayser

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  New Chicago

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  Vollintine Evergreen

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  Shelby Forest