Memphis was built on cotton. In 1880 3/4 of the nation’s cotton was shipped out of Memphis. By the 20th century Memphis was the largest inland cotton market in the world. Front Street, which parallels the Mississippi, was lined with cotton brokers who would grade the farmer’s cotton and offer it on the floor of the Exchange to the highest bidder. The Cotton Exchange operated at the museum location from 1924 until 1978 when computers took over.
The museum consists of two rooms. It’s a bit pricey for the size - we had a buy one /get one coupon which made it more reasonable.The main room features a restored Western Union office and the trading board with prices from 1939. Exhibits cover all aspects of growing cotton. For a more in depth look short videos with the personal stories of growers, brokers, and sharecroppers can be watched at individual viewing stations. The second room is a colorful grouping of storyboards and a few hands-on exhibits to appeal to kids but adults will learn a few things too.
There are two steps up to the main room. A ramp can be put in place for wheelchair users. The exhibits are accessible.
The rates at the parking lots near the museum are high. Cheaper and free parking is available in the lots on Riverside Drive but the walk up the hill to the museum is steep. Museum 35.14331, -90.05467
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