When a person thinks of the city of Memphis, Tennessee one of the first things that comes to mind is its music. Memphis was the birthplace of many of the musical styles that America can call their own, including blues, gospel and rock 'n roll. It was the starting place of the three Kings, Johnny Cash for country, B.B. King for the blues and of course the King of Rock 'n Roll, Elvis Presley. But there is much more to the past and present of this great city than simply its influence on the music industry.

ZipMemphis.com seeks to bring you the full picture of life in Memphis, Tennessee. From the home you can hope to live in to the nightlife you can enjoy, Memphis is the perfect home or holiday location for anyone looking for some southeastern charm along the great Mississippi River. The Memphis metropolitan area has a population of 1.2 million residents, which in Tennessee is only surpassed by that of Nashville. It is a city all its own full of wonder and opportunity.

John Overton, James Winchester and Andrew Jackson founded Memphis in 1819, with the city being named after the ancient capital of Egypt. Throughout the nineteenth century, Memphis was used as a transportation hub, due to its advantageous location high above the Mississippi River, making it free of floods. Memphis was at the height of the cotton trade and acted as a Union troops' stronghold for the majority of the Civil War, continuing to prosper throughout this time.

During the 1960s, Memphis was the heart for the civil rights movement and became the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4th, 1968. Memphis's influence today lies mostly in its cultural endeavors. Memphis in May is a month-long celebration with events to promote the city's heritage and its impact on the rest of the country. There are four events for which the festival is known: International Week, the Beale Street Music Festival, the Sunset Symphony and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Carnival Memphis, which was originally named the Memphis Cotton Carnival, takes place in June and is a collection of parties and festivities all celebrating some of the major industries that keep the city going.

One of the great permanent attractions in the city is the National Civil Rights Museum, located in the former Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. took his last breath. Another is the infamous Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. This site is visited by approximately 600,000 visitors from the United States and around the world each year and is even recognized as a national historical site.

Whether you're in town for the weekend or here to stay, there is always something to spark your interest in the city of Memphis. MemphisZip.com will keep you up to date on all of the latest going on in the city.