Originally known as the City of South Memphis, South Main’s iconic buildings were constructed in the early 1900s to meet the retail needs of train travelers. By mid-century, rail travel fell out of favor and the area was largely abandoned. In the 1980s, artists began moving to the neighborhood, attracted by cheap rents and large work spaces. Today, South Main is a thriving artist community with unique galleries, studios, cafes, and boutiques. It’s also home to the National Civil Rights Museum, historic Arcade diner. It is regularly featured in films and television and is seen as a major artery of the Downtown core.