Clayborn Temple

Experience Memphis in a new way on this innovative driving tour. You will not only see sites connected to the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in Memphis but also hear the stories that will help connect the dots often not taught in school. Your journey will begin down by the Mississippi River where the city began. Hear the story of how this city was given the name Memphis. You will see sights connected to slavery, the Underground Railroad, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and Memphis Music. Learn how the now world famous Beale Street was once known as the Negro Main Street USA. See the "shotgun" home where the Father of the Blues once lived. Not far from there is a church built in the late 1800's by freed people. It is still an active church today and is one of the oldest African American congregations in the city. The National Civil Rights Museum is visible on the route. This museum is the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968. Drive through the neighborhoods of Downtown, Uptown, Pinch, South City, Soulsville USA, and the Edge District. Significantly, the church where Dr. King gave his famous, last and prophetic speech, "I've Been To The Mountain Top" less than 24 hours before he was assassinated will also be seen from your vehicle.