For those fascinated by the grim underbelly of history, Memphis’ True Crime History Bus Tour offers a chilling yet captivating exploration. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 1.5-hour journey delves into the city’s darkest tales – from infamous serial killers to the shocking Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal. At $40.61 per person, this tour provides a unique perspective that appeals to true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike. What secrets lurk in the shadows of Memphis’ past?
Key Points
- The True Crime History Bus Tour in Memphis provides a 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s dark past, focusing on serial killers, mobsters, and scandalous events.
- The tour highlights notorious figures like James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., and the Memphis Strangler, an unidentified killer from the 1930s.
- Guests will learn about the Georgia Tann and Tennessee Children’s Home Society child trafficking scandal, a dark chapter in Memphis’ history.
- The tour visits notable crime scenes and provides engaging historical insights not commonly found in other Memphis tours, earning it an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.
- The tour departs from the Backbeat Tours ticket podium at Alfreds on the downstairs patio, with nearby parking options available.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s darker past, priced at $40.61 per person.
The 1.5-hour tour features a live English-speaking guide and round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus. Themed cocktails are available at the Moxy Hotel.
A 1.5-hour tour with a live guide and air-conditioned bus transportation. Themed cocktails available at the Moxy Hotel.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance or choose the reserve now & pay later option.
This unique historical tour provides an immersive experience, delving into the city’s notorious crimes, serial killers, and scandalous events not commonly found in other Memphis excursions.
Tour Highlights and Themes
Though the Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour explores the city’s darker history, it specifically features compelling stories about serial killers, mobsters, and scandalous events.
Guests will learn about Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society baby thefts, as well as the story of Alma Theedes and her numerous deceased husbands.
The tour also visits notable crime scenes and recounts chilling tales, including Memphis’ coldest case and the largest jail break in Shelby County history.
These unique historical insights make the tour a must-do experience for those fascinated by the macabre.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Travelers who’ve experienced the Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour have overwhelmingly praised it, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the tour’s well-organized structure, interesting content, and engaging guides. Reviewers commend the tour’s unique historical insights, which aren’t commonly found in other Memphis tours.
The courteous and knowledgeable guides have also been noted as a highlight, contributing to the overall enjoyable experience.
Travelers recommend the tour for those seeking a deeper dive into Memphis’ darker history, including serial killers, mobsters, and scandalous events.
Meeting Point and Parking Information
The Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour meets at the Backbeat Tours ticket podium at Alfreds, located on the downstairs patio.
Parking options include four nearby garages and open-air lots, with the closest garage being 149 Peabody Place, just two blocks away. On-street metered parking is also available on Second Street and Beale.
Participants have the flexibility to choose their preferred parking option based on convenience and availability. The tour includes approximately 0.5 miles of walking, so guests should plan accordingly.
Important Tour Details
While the Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour includes approximately 0.5 miles of walking, participants can plan their travel accordingly.
The tour offers flexibility with the reserve now & pay later option, allowing guests to check availability for specific dates and times. This ensures travelers can easily fit the experience into their schedules.
Plus, the tour provides round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, making the exploration of Memphis’ darker history a comfortable and convenient experience.
With these important details in mind, visitors can look forward to an engaging and well-organized true crime tour.
Memphis’ Infamous Serial Killers
Memphis’ dark history is marked by several notorious serial killers who left an indelible mark on the city.
One such figure is James Earl Ray, the assassin of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
James Earl Ray, the assassin of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, left an indelible mark on Memphis’ dark history.
Another is George Hyatt, a former police officer who murdered at least seven women in the 1960s.
The tour also delves into the chilling case of "The Memphis Strangler," a still-unidentified killer who terrorized the city in the 1930s.
These grim tales offer a glimpse into the shadows of Memphis’ past, captivating true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The Tennessee Children’s Home Society Scandal
Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society were responsible for one of the most disturbing child trafficking scandals in American history.
From the 1920s to the 1950s, Tann ran an illicit adoption ring, forcibly separating thousands of children from their parents and selling them to wealthy families, often without the parents’ consent or knowledge.
The scandal involved:
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Kidnapping children from poor and vulnerable families
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Falsifying adoption records to cover up the children’s origins
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Profiting handsomely from the sale of these children to influential clients
This dark chapter of Memphis’ history continues to haunt the city.
Notorious Crimes and Unsolved Mysteries
Although Memphis’ history is marred by numerous notorious crimes and unsolved mysteries, the city’s True Crime History Bus Tour sheds light on some of its darkest moments.
Guests learn about the sinister case of Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, which infamously kidnapped and sold thousands of children on the black market.
The tour also delves into the story of Alma Theedes, a woman with multiple deceased husbands, and explores the city’s coldest case and the largest jail break in Shelby County history.
Chilling stories and visits to notable crime scenes provide a gripping look into Memphis’ shadowy past.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it explores Memphis’ darker history involving serial killers, mobsters, and other chilling stories. Parents should consider the tour’s themes and their child’s age and maturity level before booking.
What Types of Food and Drinks Are Available During the Tour?
Themed cocktails are available for purchase at the Moxy Hotel during the tour. However, no food is mentioned as being provided or sold during the 1.5-hour bus tour experience.
Are There Any Restrictions or Requirements for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but participants must be able to walk 0.5 miles during the stops. Themed cocktails are available for purchase at the Moxy Hotel, but regular drinks and snacks aren’t provided on the bus.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
The tour can be customized for private groups. Backbeat Tours offers private tours that allow groups to tailor the experience to their interests and schedule. Pricing and availability for private tours may vary.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option available, providing flexibility in travel plans.
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The Sum Up
The Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour offers a unique and captivating exploration of the city’s darker past. For $40.61 per person, participants can embark on a 1.5-hour journey led by a knowledgeable guide, delving into the stories of infamous figures and chilling tales of crime. With engaging narratives and visits to significant crime scenes, this tour provides a historical perspective that appeals to true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.