Metals Museum in Memphis, TN

As witness to the enormous upheaval between the North and the South, Memphis is well known for the important role it has assumed in harboring troops and their supplies, particularly in the late nineteenth century.

When Confederate leader, Nathan Bedford Forrest led two thousand cavalry troops up to Memphis in 1864, his brothers rode into town one morning to take three prominent Union Generals by surprise. Of them, one was General Cadwallader Colden Washburn, who narrowly escaped capture by fleeing down the alley to Fort Pickering, in his nightshirt, thus leading to the alley being named in memory of his famous escape. The legend also goes on to state that Forrest took General Washburn's uniform when his troops rode into the lobby of the famous Gayoso House Hotel, but later returned it when a truce was declared. This incident is also of special significance in the history of Memphis, given that General Cadwallader Colden Washburn was strongly opposed to slavery — a practice which shaped much of Memphis' economic and commercial bearing.

Today, visitors to Downtown Memphis can saunter down this alley and relive the happenings of that fateful night, and even step into one of the most famous pork parlors in all of Memphis — Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, tucked away in General Washburn Alley which is as well-known for its delicious ribs as the alley is for its memorable escape.

For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.memphistravel.com or contact the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau at 901-543-5300.

The General Washburn Alley,
Memphis, Tennessee

With their immense repertoire of over 3,000 metal artifacts and souvenirs, man of which are over five centuries old, the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis is undoubtedly one of the most prolific and exquisite of its kind, bringing to light the little known art form of metalsmithing.

Here, you can browse through an extensive array of handmade curios, which are handpicked from the museum's permanent collection and range from contemporary American sculpture to custom-made knives. What's more, these exhibits are periodically rotated, so that there's always something new in store for you, every time you stop by. The museum also showcases a number of temporary exhibits, which are changed every 10 weeks and are centered on themes as diverse as historic measuring devices and fine jewelry designs. You can also watch blacksmiths craft their superb metal creations at the Schering - Plough Smithy, whose staff has also commissioned special projects like a weathervane for the Memphis Zoo and trophies for the Memphis in May International Barbecue Cooking Contest.

History aficionados can even browse through the gamut of architectural metalwork themed literature sourced from Julius Blum's personal collection, which is housed in the Julius Blum Library. At the end of your visit, don't forget to stop by at the Gift Store which offers handcrafted works of art, which makes great souvenirs of your visit to the National Ornamental Metal Museum, while also thoughtful gift ideas. The museum also conducts docent-guided tours for groups of over 10 visitors at a special rate of $3 per person.

Regular admission is charged at about $5 per person and the Museum is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12 noon to 5 pm on Sundays.

For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.metalmuseum.org or call the National Ornamental Metal Museum at 901-774-6380.

The National Ornamental Metal Museum
374 Metal Museum Drive,
Memphis, TN 38106