Ask the Memphian: What was Memphis like 250 years ago?
In 1776, the Mississippi River would have been wider and deeper. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
It would have been so quiet, almost eerily so, and so very dark when the sun went down.
The only sounds would have been wind rustling the branches of the elms and oaks. Or perhaps the gurgle of a stream or the whoosh of the Mississippi River.
And certainly a symphony of animal noises, perhaps the screech of an owl, the croak of a toad or the high-pitched scream of a mountain lion. The only light would have been from the moon or a campfire.
Back east, this fledgling country of about 2.5 million people was engaged in a fight for its survival when the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 — 250 years ago.
But in Memphis, well, there was no Memphis.
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July 4 Chickasaw Nation Memphis history Independence Day Ask the Memphian Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
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