Central Station Parties

Central Station was built in 1914 on South Main Street following a dispute between Illinois Central Railroad and the other rail carriers. During this time, the only rail alternative to Central Station was Union Station, built in 1912. Central Station bustled with activity as trains carrying passengers and cargo passed through Memphis more than 50 times a day.

The railroad was very important to South Main and the City of Memphis. The era of train travel brought with it the largest building boom the area would ever see. Hotels, restaurants, bars and retail stores began to spring up. Among them were the Lorraine Motel, the Pontotoc Hotel, and the Hotel Chisca. The Arcade Restaurant opened to serve train passengers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It remains the oldest cafe in Memphis today.

South Main continued to flourish until the 1950s when train travel began to wane. By 1970, passenger service had nearly disappeared. Businesses on South Main began to close and Union Station was demolished. The district's troubles continued until 1982. That year, the South Main Historic District was established to preserve the area.

Memphis Area Transit Authority spearheaded the restoration of Central Station to its original condition and beauty, and has developed it as an intermodal transportation hub.


	Take a Look Around Get a peak of Central Station through our Virtual Tour. Browse inside and out, from the floor to the ceiling!


	Watching the Bottom Line Our Event Planning and Budgeting Checklist will keep all your event planning details in order and within the budget.


	I Need Professional Help! We've provided event tips and advice from the professionals that address everything you need from setting the agenda to beverage selections.