Victorian Village
The River City is full of gems...world famous recording studios, uniquely diverse neighborhoods, and landmarks that represent social and historical shifts that changed the world. But architecturally, one of the most unusual streets is Adams Avenue in Midtown. Known as “Victorian Village”, the Avenue displays a number of homes built in the mid-nineteenth century in a traditional Victorian style. The mansions’ facades are untouched by modernity, offering a special glimpse back into the style and gracious living of Memphis’ most affluent community during the 1800s.
More Than Just a Pretty Facade
The handful of Victorian homes originally known as “Millionaire’s Row” holds a thousand stories that span over 150 years. Each mansion has a rich community history that is preserved in its very foundation. From bankers to cotton investors to art enthusiasts, these homes were owned by the most influential and wealthy citizens of the city well into the twentieth century. Thanks to local preservation efforts, they invite us into the past as museums, event venues, restaurants, and inns.
The Mallory-Neely House
One of the first homes built in Victorian Village was the Mallory-Neely House, a structure built in the Italian villa style in 1852. The Kirtland family sold the property in the late 19th century to Columbus and Frances Neely, who later completed large renovations to the home. Mrs. Frances Neely (Daisy) lived in the house until she died in 1969 at the age of 98, making it one of the last residences in Victorian Village. The interior of the home remains much in its original condition, complete with many of the nineteenth century pieces the Neely family purchased. The house still boasts two stained pristine glass panels they bought from the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904. The Mallory-Neely House is temporarily closed to the public but is owned by the Pink Palace Family of Museums and will resume visiting hours in the future.
Teddy Roosevelt stayed in the Wright Carriage house on his way to a hunting trip that led to the invention of the teddy bear.
The Wright Carriage House
The simple brick architecture of the Wright home may seem underwhelming at first, especially when compared to the soaring outlines of the Woodruff-Fontaine or Mallory-Neely homes. But with a construction date of 1840, the Wright carriage house is one of the oldest structures of Victorian Village and boasts some of the richest historical legend of the neighborhood. When Shelby Country Attorney General Luke Wright lived at the residence during the early twentieth century, he hosted Theodore Roosevelt on a presidential tour of the Southern states. The family is said to have gold plated their silver in expectation of Roosevelt’s visit! But what made Roosevelt’s overnight stay even more noteworthy was what he was on his way to do. A day or two after his Memphis stay, Roosevelt would be on a hunting expedition in Mississippi when he would come upon a black bear that had been tied to a tree. Legend has it that Roosevelt vehemently refused to shoot the tethered animal and the press ran away with the story. Soon toymakers were selling stuffed “Teddy’s Bears” and an American icon was born. The historical marker on the ten foot brick wall that surrounds the modest home tells the story to passersby and while you can find beautiful interior photos of the home online, the Luke Wright Carriage House is the only property in Victorian Village that is currently occupied by residents.
The James Lee House
The James Lee House offers perhaps the most intimate look at Victorian Village by offering guests a room for the night. This boutique Bed and Breakfast allows guests to explore the circa 1848 home from a close up perspective...the grand ballroom, the marble fireplaces and the original gilded mirrors. Princeton educated riverboat captain James Lee purchased the home from Harrson family in 1890 and upgraded the once modest brick home to the opulent mansion it is today. In fact, the structure that stands now housed the original James Lee Memorial Art Academy which became the Memphis College of Art. Now, Memphians and out-of-towners alike can enjoy the lovely grounds of the James Lee House and experience Victorian Village as it once was...as a resident of the most beautiful neighborhood in Memphis.
The James Lee house was featured on Tennessee Crossroads