Old Memphis Underpass by PhrankPower

Photography • Architecture • posted on Jan 03, 2009

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Description

This is one of the few remaining old underpasses located near present day downtown Memphis. From what I've been able to research they were built sometime before the turn of the century (not the one 9 years ago!). Perhaps they were the precursor to the Overpass? I've yet to discover why instead of a normal street intersection they chose to have one street dip into the ground passing underneath the above avenue rather than joining it, which would have been a hell of a lot easier! This one is near the old Memphis Brewery, so it may have been the direct path of the daily beer wagons they'd take without encountering any annoying intersections. Or maybe I'm just placing far too much importance on beer distribution, if such a thing is possible. It's also located in the old cotton district, and back in those days cotton was king. So that could be a factor too. Anyway, you can see the original cobblestone that remains even though some years ago they laid asphalt over it, for some ungodly reason. Of course the asphalt now is almost gone and the cobblestone is as solid and secure as the day it was laid. Some things should just be left alone! The cobblestone streets in that area of Memphis were laid beginning in the late 1880's, so one must presume our Underpass is at least that old. I plan to research this some more. This was taken late afternoon which allowed the light to extend further into the tunnel than usual. Thanks much! marshall

Comments (12)

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Hendesse

2:41PM | Sat, 03 January 2009

Fantastic perspective and light!

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3x3

3:10PM | Sat, 03 January 2009

lovely play with the light

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auntietk

4:44PM | Sat, 03 January 2009

Fascinating! I'll be interested to know what you learn. Denise will love this!! Very fancy.

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artaddict2

2:42AM | Sun, 04 January 2009

Interesting shot and documentation!

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UBATUBA

7:12AM | Sun, 04 January 2009

excellent composition and lighting! (a piece of history captured)

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squirrel2005

7:50AM | Sun, 04 January 2009

Wonderful capture!! superb light too.

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mairekas

9:04AM | Sun, 04 January 2009

Wonderful light and POV! Happy New Year to you!

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beachzz

12:14PM | Sun, 04 January 2009

These could be some kind of ancient ruins--great shot and amazing forms!!

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Meisiekind

2:31PM | Sun, 04 January 2009

Perfect POV and a wonderful and informative narrative! :)

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delaorden_ojeda

3:49PM | Sun, 04 January 2009

Wondreful composición and superb light, excelent perspective !

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MrsRatbag

6:45PM | Sun, 04 January 2009

Wow! What a beautiful bunch of architecture! I could spend hours down there with my camera....excellent POV with the repeating columns receding into the darkness!

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