Poplar Street Station (former site)

From which Casey Jones began his fateful journey

Poplar St. Station early 1900s Click to enlarge. The spot today Click to enlarge. Copyright 2006 OnThisVerySpot.com. Click to enlarge. Copyright 2006 OnThisVerySpot.com.

Front Street at Poplar Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee
United States

On This Very Spot in 1890, the Poplar Street Station was built by the Illinois Central Railroad. The top photo is looking north, with Front Street on the right and the Mississippi River on the left.

On This Very Spot on the night of April 29, 1900, engineer Casey Jones pulled out on the Illinois Central "Cannonball" heading south along the river. The next morning, outside Vaughn, Mississippi, he encountered the tail end of another train that had been left sticking out onto the main line. Jones told his fireman to jump, but remained at the brakes in a desperate attempt to save the lives of his passengers. As a result of his heroic efforts, he was the only fatality of the wreck.

On This Very Spot in 1939, the station was demolished, and the space is now a parking lot. The middle photo shows the remnants of the retaining wall along Front Street, looking northwest toward the foot of the I-40 bridge coming over the river from Arkansas. Notice that railroad tracks still run along Riverside Drive.

Submitted by: Carlos Gregory

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Condition: This spot no longer exists except for a small section of retaining wall along Poplar Avenue. There is a historical plaque on this very spot.

Public Access: This spot is outdoors and is accessible 24/7/365.

Parking: Metered parking is available along the city streets starting a block or two away. Paid parking is available in the Mud Island parking garage adjacent to this very spot.

Location: Downtown Memphis, Tennessee overlooking the Mississippi River.

Nearest Major Airport: Memphis International

Directions: From I-40 East or West, take the Riverside Drive exit, then turn left at the first light, which will take you uphill (up the old river bluff). At the top, turn left at the first light onto Front Street. This very spot will be on your left just past the Mud Island entrance, at the stoplight where Poplar Avenue comes in on your right.