Discovery Series Ornament – Memphis
The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Memphis is a mini-mug for the city that was founded in 1819 along the Mississippi River bluffs. It quickly became a vital port city for the cotton trade and river commerce. The city’s strategic location made it a major transportation hub, connecting the Deep South to markets nationwide via steamboat and later railroad. Memphis endured devastating yellow fever epidemics in the 1870s that nearly destroyed the city, followed by rebuilding and growth into the 20th century. The city became internationally significant as the birthplace of blues and rock and roll, while also serving as a pivotal location in the Civil Rights Movement. Today Memphis balances its musical heritage and Mississippi River culture with modern logistics industries and a distinctive Southern identity.
Here are some landmarks and symbols of the city as seen in the design of the ornament:
– MATA Trolley connects downtown Memphis with vintage-style streetcars operating on Main Street and along the riverfront since the system’s revival in 1993. These colorful trolleys, some restored from historic cars, provide charming transportation while evoking the city’s early 20th-century streetcar era. The trolley system represents Memphis’s efforts to preserve heritage while offering practical downtown mobility.
– Hernando de Soto Bridge, known locally as the “M Bridge” for its distinctive M-shaped arches, spans the Mississippi River connecting Memphis to Arkansas. This iconic structure, illuminated at night, has become a signature element of the Memphis skyline visible from riverfront parks. The bridge represents modern infrastructure while paying homage to the Spanish explorer who first encountered the Mississippi River.
– Steamboats on the Mississippi River evoke Memphis’s heritage as a crucial river port where cotton, goods, and passengers once moved via paddlewheel vessels. Historic and replica steamboats still ply the river today, offering dinner cruises and sightseeing tours past the Memphis skyline. These vessels connect modern visitors to the river commerce that built Memphis into a major Southern city.
– Memphis blues emerged from Beale Street’s clubs and juke joints in the early 20th century, creating a distinctive sound that influenced American music profoundly. Legends like W.C. Handy, B.B. King, and countless others developed their craft in Memphis, cementing the city’s place in music history. The blues tradition continues today with live performances filling Beale Street venues nightly, drawing music lovers from around the world.
– Oak trees provide shade and natural beauty throughout Memphis neighborhoods and parks, with these hardy trees well-suited to the region’s climate. Overton Park and other green spaces showcase mature oaks that have stood for generations, offering canopy cover during hot Southern summers. These trees represent Memphis’s urban forest and the natural beauty woven throughout the city’s residential areas.
