An epidemic led to the bankruptcy of Memphis

Many North and South American families experienced grief and loss during the yellow fever epidemics of the 19th century, but the loss that Memphis had to bear was no contest.

It is believed that Memphis was the location of the worst yellow fever epidemic in the United States. The virus reached Memphis in the early 1870s, which led to the departure of 25,000 people. Almost all of the residents that remained became infected with the virus, and about a third of them died from the fatal disease.

Due to the overwhelming population drop, Memphis lost its charter and went bankrupt.

– Amanda Fox, The 100 Companies