Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

Memphis’ dark past is not easily forgotten. The True Crime History Bus Tour invites visitors to uncover the city’s grim legacy, from notorious criminals to harrowing institutions that scarred the community. Guided by local experts, the 1.5-hour journey delves into chilling stories – the ‘Black Widow of Vance Avenue‘, the baby thief Georgia Tann, and the elusive serial killer who terrorized the city. Tracing the history of Beale Street’s deadliest saloon and the largest jail break in Shelby County, the tour offers a captivating glimpse into Memphis’ unsettling underbelly. What secrets lie waiting to be unraveled?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Historical Tours In Memphis.

Key Points

• The Memphis True Crime History Bus Tour is a 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s dark past, led by knowledgeable local guides.
• Key highlights include stories about notorious baby thief Georgia Tann, the ‘Black Widow of Vance Avenue’, and a summer of terror caused by a serial killer.
• The tour delves into the disturbing history of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and its illegal adoptions.
• Visitors will learn about Beale Street’s deadliest saloon, the ‘Palace Saloon’, which was a hub for criminal activity.
• The tour also covers the largest jail break in Shelby County, which underscored the fragility of the local justice system.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The true crime history bus tour in Memphis provides visitors with a 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s dark past, led by a knowledgeable local guide.

Guests will dive into the city’s fascinating history, uncovering stories of mobsters, serial killers, and unsolved cases. Key highlights include learning about the notorious baby thief, Georgia Tann, and the chilling tale of the ‘Black Widow of Vance Avenue.’

Participants will also discover the scene of a summer of terror caused by a serial killer and uncover the history of Beale Street’s deadliest saloon.

The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned or heated bus, and while there are some off-bus stops, the total walking distance is only around 0.5 miles.

Key Highlights

Key highlights of the true crime history bus tour in Memphis include learning about the notorious baby thief, Georgia Tann, and the chilling tale of the ‘Black Widow of Vance Avenue.’

Participants will also discover the scene of a summer of terror caused by a serial killer and uncover the history of Beale Street’s deadliest saloon.

Guests will hear the disturbing story of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and how its director, Georgia Tann, illegally adopted and sold thousands of children on the black market.

The tour also delves into the case of Alma Theede, a woman convicted of poisoning her husband and two of her own children.

Plus, attendees will learn about a series of unsolved murders that gripped Memphis during one infamous summer.

Alma Theede: The ‘Black Widow’

Known as the ‘Black Widow of Vance Avenue,’ Alma Theede’s chilling tale captivates those on the true crime history bus tour in Memphis. Theede, a seemingly innocuous housewife, was responsible for a series of poisonings that claimed the lives of her husband and two of her children.

The tour guide recounts the grisly details, leaving passengers both horrified and fascinated.

The cold, calculated manner in which Theede committed her crimes is utterly disturbing.

The tour’s exploration of her victims’ final moments evokes a profound sense of sadness.

The lingering mystery surrounding her motives adds an eerie, unsettling layer to the story.

As the bus continues down the streets of Memphis, the group is left to ponder the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most ordinary lives.

Tennessee Children’s Home Society

Often, the tour guide captivates guests with the chilling tale of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, an infamous adoption agency that ruthlessly obtained and sold children on the black market.

Operating from the 1920s to the 1950s, the organization was led by the notorious ‘baby thief‘ Georgia Tann, who kidnapped children from poor families and placed them with wealthy clients for hefty fees.

Tragically, many children died under Tann’s callous care, while others were separated from their birth parents and sent to abusive homes.

The tour explores the grim legacy of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, shedding light on one of the darkest chapters in Memphis’s history.

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Summer of Terror

During the summer of 1997, Memphians lived in fear as a series of brutal murders struck the city, sparking a frenzied manhunt for the elusive killer. The victims, ranging from young women to the elderly, were found in various locations around the city, all with a chilling similarity – they’d been strangled to death. The local police force worked tirelessly, but the killer remained one step ahead, evading capture and leaving a trail of terror in his wake.

The community was gripped by a sense of dread, with many residents afraid to venture out at night.

Investigators exhausted every lead, but the killer’s identity remained a mystery, fueling public anxiety.

As the summer drew to a close, the killings finally stopped, leaving the city to grapple with the aftermath of a terrifying ordeal.

Beale Street’s Deadliest Saloon

Beale Street, the iconic entertainment district in Memphis, was once home to a notorious saloon with a dark and violent past.

Known as the ‘Palace Saloon‘, it was considered the deadliest watering hole on the strip during the late 19th century.

The Palace was a hub for criminal activity, with reports of shootouts, stabbings, and other acts of violence occurring on a regular basis. Patrons often found themselves caught in the crossfire of turf wars between rival gangs and underworld figures.

The saloon’s lawless reputation eventually led to its closure, but its legacy as one of Beale Street‘s most notorious establishments has endured in the city’s true crime history.

Largest Jail Break in Shelby County

One of the most infamous jailbreaks in Shelby County’s history occurred in the early 20th century, when a group of daring inmates managed to stage a massive escape from the local correctional facility.

The prisoners, many of whom were serving sentences for violent crimes, were able to overpower the guards and breach the prison walls, disappearing into the streets of Memphis. This dramatic event sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the fragility of the local justice system at the time.

The jailbreak is remembered as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order and ensuring public safety.

The prisoners were able to escape through a combination of careful planning and sheer determination.

The event sparked a massive manhunt throughout the city, with authorities desperate to recapture the fugitives.

The escape underscored the need for reforms and improvements in the local correctional infrastructure.

Meeting Point and Important Information

The tour meets at the Backbeat Tours ticket podium located on the downstairs patio at Alfreds, where nearby parking options, including garages and on-street metered parking, are available.

The tour includes some off-bus stops, with a total walking distance of approximately 0.5 miles. However, no hotel pickup or drop-off is provided.

Guests should be prepared for a 1.5-hour tour that explores Memphis’s dark history, including tales of mobsters, serial killers, and unsolved cases.

With a local tour guide leading the way, you will learn about the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, the ‘Black Widow of Vance Avenue,’ and Beale Street’s deadliest saloon, among other chilling stories from the city’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the tour. Guests should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour includes some off-bus stops. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate attire is recommended.

Are the Buses Wheelchair Accessible?

The buses used for the tour are wheelchair accessible, allowing all guests to participate and explore the dark history of Memphis. Accessibility features are provided to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to bring food and drinks on the tour, however, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions. Consuming food and beverages during the tour is usually permitted, but may be limited to certain areas.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

It’s generally recommended to purchase tickets in advance for popular tours to secure your spot. This ensures you don’t miss out, as tickets may sell out, especially during peak seasons or high-demand times.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, the tour guide may request that photos not be taken at certain sensitive locations or during particular segments of the tour. It’s best to check with the guide.

Recap

The Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour offers a chilling and eye-opening exploration of the city’s dark past.

Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour delves into the stories of notorious criminals, revealing the grim legacy of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the notorious ‘Palace Saloon’ on Beale Street.

It also explores the history of the largest jail break in Shelby County.

You can check availability for your dates here: