The Memphis region is rich in historical assets.
The Memphis region contains a wide variety of historical offerings. For example, some of the earliest are the prehistoric Indian mounds found scattered throughout the region. Along the original four trails is a series of historic buildings, sites, districts and entire towns. Some of the region's cities, such as Holly Springs, have large pre-Civil War era homes and residential neighborhoods. Downtown Memphis recently re-introduced early 1900s streetcars, has historical museums (including the National Civil Rights Museum, Mud Island, etc.) and has a noteworthy Victorian district.

The region's history has significantly contributed to its strong identity.
Mark Twain's connection to the Mississippi River, the legend of Elvis Presley, the cotton culture, the Civil Rights Movement, the birth of the Blues and rock and roll are all significant events tied to Memphis in the minds of most Americans, and are even recognized worldwide.

The four historical trails provide an easy and highly visible framework for --understanding the region's historical sites and districts.
The majority of the registered historic sites, districts and towns in the Memphis region are located along historical trails, which have evolved into modern roads. The Cherokee Trail became Poplar Avenue. The Chickasaw Trail is now US-78. The Tri-Weekly Mail Trail became US-64 while the Military Trail to Little Rock is now I-40. Four original trails linked Memphis to the region and the nation. Three of the trails extended to the east and one continued across the river to the west. These four trails set the pattern upon which the region grew.

While the main cluster of historical resources (i.e. historic sites, districts and museums) is found in the central area of Memphis, other important sites and districts are located along the historical trails. Particular concentrations are found in Collierville, with a dispersed line of districts and sites in Germantown along the former Cherokee Trail. Other concentrations occur along the Chickasaw trail, such as in Holly Springs and in Covington along the 1829 Nashville Mail Route.

Recommendations

Establish an "umbrella" entity for all of the local historical organizations.
Strengthen neighborhood associations to keep historic areas from declining and to recruit active participants in preservation. This organization could serve as the voice for historical resources, facilitate communication, share information and develop resources.

Create a regional history project and promote its activities.
Develop a comprehensive preservation strategy covering the entire Memphis region in all three states. Link historic sites and districts to the four historic trails. Involve regional universities in the identification and preservation of regional historical assets (schools of urban studies, architecture, history, etc.). Establish a regional tax abatement plan for the regional historic districts and overlay zones to aid in their preservation.

Grow the heritage component of the tourism economy.
Capitalizing on the region's historical resources to increase heritage and eco-tourism will add breadth to create additional synergies with other convention, sports, entertainment and regional tourism facilities. Promoting the region's historical assets can significantly increase the region's attractiveness as a destination location. Locally, regionally and nationally promote the region's historical offerings including the area's history museums, historic districts and sites, Indian mounds, historic forest areas and significant trees.

Use the region's history to build a stronger image and identity in the national and global marketplaces.
The region's history - including its people, culture and geography - has helped develop its identity in the emerging global marketplace. The region's history should become a significant component of its overall national and global marketing strategy.

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