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

D.T. Porter Building

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2020

1. D.T. Porter Building Marker

Inscription. The D.T. Porter Building was Memphis’ first skyscraper and the tallest building south of St. Louis when completed in 1895. Some city officials believed a building that tall would blow over in a strong wind. Visitors paid 10 cents to ride one of the South’s first elevators, but many were so scared they took the stairs back down.

Erected 2003 by Center City Commission. (Marker Number 42.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee, Memphis, Center City Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 35° 8.74′ N, 90° 3.152′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and South Court Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Marker is on sidewalk near southeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 North Main Street, 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. The Memphis Daily Appeal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wildcats (about 400 feet away); Hattie Manely (about 400 feet away); James H. Malone

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(about 400 feet away); First Tennessee Bank (about 400 feet away); Court Square Saved (about 400 feet away); Civil War Capitol (about 400 feet away); WMC Radio Station (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . . Downtown Memphis Commission's Sidewalk Stories Tour. Walking itinerary curated by Google Maps. Note: Some markers are missing. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2020

2. D.T. Porter Building Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

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