Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Pee Wee Saloon

(P. Wee Saloon)

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

1. Pee Wee Saloon Marker

Inscription. Pee Wee's Saloon was the favorite meeting spot for Memphis musicians in the early 20th century. W.C. Handy used the cigar counter to write out copies of the Beale Street Blues for his band members. One of those songs, written for the 1909 political campaign was first named "Mr. Crump," for the Memphis mayor and political boss. Later with new lyrics it became famous as "The Memphis Blues."

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 83.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Landmarks • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 35° 8.362′ N, 90° 3.054′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker can be reached from Beale Street. Marker is located in front of the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ida B. Wells (a few steps from this marker); Rufus Thomas, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); George Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); Nat D. Williams

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Beale Street Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gillis Brothers (within shouting distance of this marker); Chop Suey Café / Chinese Merchants on Beale Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hooks Brothers Photography (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

2. Pee Wee Saloon Marker

Photographed By Mary Ellen Coghlan, July 27, 2009

3. Pee Wee Saloon Marker

View in front of Hard Rock Cafe

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 19, 2008

4. Pee Wee Saloon Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,721 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 2, 2009, by Mary Ellen Coghlan of Warwick, New York. 4. submitted on July 19, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.