Westwood, Memphis facts for kids
Westwood is a lively neighborhood located in southern Memphis, Tennessee, United States. It sits just west of another area called Whitehaven. This community is a hub of activity, offering many places for fun, shopping, learning, and worship.
Some important spots in Westwood include the Charles Powell Community Center, the Westwood Shopping Center, and schools like Freedom Preparatory Academy-Westwood Elementary and Westwood High School. The Double Tree Montessori School is also in the area, located west of Weaver Road. One of the biggest churches in Memphis, the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, which has over 4,000 members, is also a key part of the Westwood community.
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Discovering Westwood: Location & History
Westwood is bordered by several main roads. To the east, you'll find S Third Street. The western edge is defined by ICCR. Raines Road marks the northern boundary, and W Shelby Drive forms the southern border.
How Westwood Began: A Look Back
Westwood started to grow in the 1950s. A family called the Weavers, who used to own a very large cotton farm of about 4,000-acre (16 km2), decided to sell some of their land. This land was then used to build new homes, creating a new housing area in the southern part of Shelby County. This new area soon became known as Westwood.
As more people moved in, the neighborhood grew. In the 1960s, new shops and businesses opened to serve the families living there. The area continued to expand in the 1970s. During this time, many African American families moved into the neighborhood, adding to its diverse community.
Joining the City: Westwood's Annexation
Over time, Westwood became an official part of the city of Memphis. This process is called annexation, which means a smaller area becomes part of a larger city. Some parts of Westwood were annexed into Memphis in 1966. The rest of the area officially joined the city on January 1, 1972.
A Community Landmark: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
A significant part of Westwood's history involves the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. In 1973, Reverend James Netters moved his church congregation from Mississippi Boulevard to Westwood. They moved into what used to be the Westwood Baptist Church.
Years later, in 1991, the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood was renovated and made even better. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most important churches in Memphis, serving as a central point for many in the community.
