Crump, E. H., House

1962 Peabody Ave., Memphis, TN
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The first self-made female millionaire in the United States was Sarah Breedlove, also known as Madam C.J. Walker. She was born on a plantation near Delta, Tennessee, in 1867.
Shelby County, located in southwestern Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Its earliest inhabitants were Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and Choctaw, who relied on the fertile land and abundant wildlife for sustenance. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French explorers venturing into the region.

By the early 19th century, Shelby County had become a significant center of commerce and trade due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. The city of Memphis, founded in 1819, quickly emerged as the region's economic hub, attracting merchants, entrepreneurs, and settlers from all across the country. The county played a crucial role in the cotton industry, with Memphis serving as a major cotton market and transportation hub.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Shelby County. While the state of Tennessee initially seceded from the Union, Memphis was occupied by Union forces in 1862, shifting the region's allegiances. The county experienced significant destruction during the war, witnessing battles and suffering from prolonged military occupation. However, with the end of the war came a period of reconstruction and rebirth for Shelby County.

Throughout the 20th century, Shelby County continued to grow and evolve. The city of Memphis became a center of civil rights activism, with pivotal events like the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taking place there. The county has also been known for its musical contributions, particularly in the genres of blues and rock 'n' roll, with iconic artists such as Elvis Presley and B.B. King originating from the region. Today, Shelby County remains an important cultural, economic, and political center in Tennessee, blending its historical legacy with modern progress.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shelby County, Tennessee.

  • 1819: Shelby County was established on November 24.
  • 1835: Memphis was incorporated as a city on December 19.
  • 1843: Shelby County Courthouse, now known as the Old Shelby County Courthouse, was built.
  • 1861-1865: Shelby County was deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1899: The first automobile was registered in Shelby County.
  • 1925: The Memphis Pyramid was completed.
  • 1968: The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.
  • 1977: Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," passed away in his Graceland mansion.