The Tennessee club building...

After the Civil War, Memphis had to reclaim

its homes, hospitals, and dignity from

Union occupation. Former Confederate officers wanted

to be part of restoring the city and

social graces. So in 1870 they organized The

Tennessee Club—the city's first mens social

club. Meetings were held in the Exchange Building, and an 1875 charter listed General

Colton Greene as founder. The mission: to build

an art gallery/library, foster debates, and

be a social club for men. The Tennessee Club was synonymous with elite social and

political gatherings. In 1890, the

Tennessee Club began meeting in its new

location at 130 N. Court Square. Architect

Edward Terrell's design brought Victorian towers

and sandstone together in a four-story, asymmetrical creation.

 

 

Done