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

The First Railroad in West Tennessee

The LaGrange and Memphis Railroad

Photographed By John R. Schafer II, September 6, 1986

1. The First Railroad in West Tennessee - Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Organized in 1835, the LaGrange and Memphis Railroad operated the first train from Memphis 4 1/2 miles on March 29, 1842, on the present roadbed of the Southern Railway. The depot which was destroyed by fire February 1, 1853 was located here. The LaGrange and Memphis Railroad and the depot were acquired by the Memphis and Charleston Railroad about 1846. The Southern Railway succeeded the Memphis and Charleston.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 84.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1853.

Location. 35° 8.385′ N, 90° 2.442′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in the Medical District. Marker is on Union Avenue, 0.1 miles east of Lauderdale Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 495 Union Avenue, 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 Commercial Appeal / Publishing Locations (about

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300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elvis Presley and Sun Records / Sun Records (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Hunt-Phelan Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); George W. Lee (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blair T. Hunt, Sr. / Blair T. Hunt, Jr. (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church / Mt. Olive CME Church (approx. ¼ mile away); It was a Struggle for Freedom For Dignity and For Equality (approx. 0.3 miles away); N. B. Forrest Camp 215 Sons of Confederate Veterans (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Photographed By Thomas S Parker, June 3, 2008

2. The First Railroad in West Tennessee Marker

Photographed By Ken Smith, May 12, 2012

3. The First Railroad in West Tennessee Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2008, by Thomas S Parker of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,522 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2008, by Thomas S Parker of Memphis, Tennessee. 3. submitted on May 15, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.