Ask the Memphian: Why is there a Poplar viaduct?
The Poplar viaduct, constructed in 1928, is one of the oldest active viaducts in Memphis. (Courtesy Josh Whitehead, digitized by John T. Dulaney)
More than 100 years ago, the geography of Memphis was vastly different than it is today. For example, the far reaches of the city at that time were what we now call East Memphis. Back then, that area comprised the city’s hinterlands, but today it forms the geographic heart of Memphis.
But in the early 1920s, Memphis was growing and local leaders wanted to expand the city’s development. But to do that, they needed easy access to those hinterlands.
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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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