Southaven, Mississippi

Southaven, Mississippi is a city located in DeSoto County, Mississippi, near the Mississippi River and the Tennessee border. It is part of the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area and is situated near the Arkansas border, making it a significant location for trade and commerce with neighboring cities like Memphis, Tennessee and West Memphis, Arkansas. The city is also close to notable landmarks like Beale Street and Graceland, the famous home of Elvis Presley. Southaven is a popular destination for fans of Memphis Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels sports teams.

Geography

Southaven is situated in the Mississippi Delta region, near the Coldwater River and the Nonconnah Creek. The city's geography is characterized by its flat terrain, with an average elevation of around 300 feet above sea level, similar to other cities in the region like Hernando, Mississippi and Olive Branch, Mississippi. The city is also close to the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and the T.O. Fuller State Park, which offer outdoor recreational activities like hiking and fishing, popular among residents of nearby cities like Germantown, Tennessee and Collierville, Tennessee. Southaven's location near the Mississippi River also makes it prone to flooding, with notable events like the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the Great Flood of 1993 affecting the city and surrounding areas like Vicksburg, Mississippi and Cairo, Illinois.

History

The area that is now Southaven was first settled in the early 19th century, with the city being officially incorporated in 1980, following the example of other cities in the region like Horn Lake, Mississippi and Walls, Mississippi. The city's history is closely tied to the Civil War, with nearby battles like the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Vicksburg taking place during the conflict. Southaven is also near the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, which commemorates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement. The city's history is also marked by its connection to the Blues music scene, with famous musicians like B.B. King and John Lee Hooker hailing from the region and performing in nearby cities like Clarksdale, Mississippi and Tupelo, Mississippi.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Southaven has a population of over 54,000 people, with a diverse population that includes residents from nearby cities like Bartlett, Tennessee and Arlington, Tennessee. The city's demographics are characterized by a mix of African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans, with a median household income of around $60,000, similar to other cities in the region like Grenada, Mississippi and Starkville, Mississippi. Southaven is also home to a significant number of Veterans of Foreign Wars, with nearby military bases like Naval Support Activity Mid-South and Millington Naval Air Station contributing to the city's population and economy.

Economy

The economy of Southaven is driven by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade, with major employers like FedEx and Nike having operations in the city. The city is also close to the Memphis International Airport, which is a major hub for FedEx Express and other logistics companies, and is situated near the Interstate 55 and Interstate 69 corridors, making it an attractive location for businesses and investors from cities like Nashville, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas. Southaven is also home to a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs, with resources like the Small Business Administration and the Mississippi Development Authority providing support for startups and existing businesses.

Education

The city of Southaven is served by the DeSoto County School District, which operates a number of public schools in the area, including Southaven High School and DeSoto Central High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools, including Northpoint Christian School and Rossville Christian Academy, and is close to institutions of higher education like University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University, which offer a range of academic programs and research opportunities. Southaven is also near the Memphis College of Art and the University of Memphis, which provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in the arts and humanities.

Infrastructure

The city of Southaven has a well-developed infrastructure, with a number of major highways and roads passing through the area, including Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 51. The city is also served by the Memphis International Airport, which provides access to domestic and international flights, and is close to the Mississippi River, which offers opportunities for water transportation and trade. Southaven is also home to a number of parks and recreation facilities, including the Southaven City Park and the Central Park, which offer amenities like walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields, and is near the Tunica National Wildlife Refuge and the Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge, which provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation.