Note: This is a continuation of our list of 40 Memphis Quintessentials, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Memphis magazine. The whole list can be found here.
Eileen Townsend
The Statue of Liberation
Oh sure, the real thing in New York City is an impressive sight, but Memphis’ own miniature version — ours is called the Statue of Liberation — is truly something to see, if you can take your eyes away from the traffic along Winchester. Built in the 1990s by the World Overcomers Church, the statue — holding a cross instead of Liberty’s torch — is designed to … well, we’re really not sure. But who ever said Memphians really needed a good reason to do anything? — Michael Finger
The Front Yard Buddha
Since it’s just down Mendenhall in Parkway Village from what has often been described (and written about) as the ugliest house in Memphis, it’s probably no shock to encounter a giant stone statue of Buddha perched in the front yard of what is otherwise a perfectly normal residence. The story goes that the owners are very religious people who wanted to put a symbol of their faith in their front yard. A very large symbol. And we’re fine with that. It’s the spotlighting at night that gives us pause (and helped it make this list). — Michael Finger
The Gap in Interstate 40
As our major coast-to-coast thruway, I-40 is perhaps the United States’ defining road. Its presence in Memphis, however, created a landmark legal battle when developers sought to send the freeway through Overton Park in 1971. Activists and citizens prevailed and the interstate was re-routed around the city. The park was saved, and the case is now studied in legal textbooks around the country. — Eileen Townsend
Tom Pellett
Mud Island River Park
From the sound of it, “Mud Island” doesn’t seem it would be a place with much to offer. But the mid-river island is something of a diamond in the rough, home to a booming residential community, good restaurants, and the Mud Island River Park. The River Park, accessible by monorail, is home to a pedalboat pond, a scale model of the river, and a museum of river history. — Eileen Townsend
