Memphis, MO

Memphis is Scotland County's seat in northern Missouri, laid out near the county's center in 1843 along the North Fabius River. The place was chosen after county commissioners met at Sand Hill to select a seat of government; the first courthouse followed in 1844, and Memphis incorporated as a city in 1885. The town's name had an earlier life too: a post office called Memphis operated near the North Fabius before the present town took shape. The courthouse, depot museum, and North Fabius keep the county-seat story in view. Memphis is a northeast Missouri city with an Egyptian name and a very local river.