Memphis- The Rebuilding of a Modern City in the Aftermath of Yellow Fever

The city of Memphis was decimated by the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. The city lost just over two-thirds of its population in a matter of weeks. After the epidemic ended, the city hadto rebuild itself. Local, state and federal governments came together in the aftermath, and the city was able to evolve from a dirty river town into a modern city. 

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

The city of Memphis was decimated by the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. The city lost just over two-thirds of its population in a matter of weeks. After the epidemic ended, the city hadto rebuild itself. Local, state and federal governments came together in the aftermath, and the city was able to evolve from a dirty river town into a modern city. 

Essential and guiding questions: 

What steps did the city take to recover from the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1878? How successful were the federal, state, and local government in rebuilding Memphis?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 
  • Have students read and discuss the following articles regarding the current debate over the use of the Memphis Sands Aquifer by the Tennessee Valley Authority: “TVA and the Memphis Sand Aquifer—Special Viewpoint”, “Water Works”, “Memphis TVA Plant Versus Memphis Sand Aquifer”.
  • Have students research the lawsuit filed by the State of Mississippi over the use of the Memphis Sands water supply by the City of Memphis. 

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS:

  • PowerPoint
  • Newspaper Articles
  • Writing Prompts
  • Discussion Questions and Timelines embedded within PowerPoint
  • Informational/biographical notes on the images contained in the notes section within the PowerPoint