Memphis’ international reputation was of secondary concern to the Peabody and Overton hotel proprietors, city merchants, and the 600 ladies and gentlemen fortunate enough to be “invited” (after paying $10) to the ball. The committee decided, therefore, to reserve quarters for Alexis and his company at the Peabody Hotel (the first one) and entertain him that night with a ball at the Overton Hotel.
It was rumored he would arrive by train on Friday and leave the next day by steamboat. Winter weather would preclude any outdoor celebration, and the length of the Grand Duke’s stay here was uncertain. In Memphis, an entertainment committee was formed, which finally agreed to adopt a more subtle approach. The Memphis Daily Avalanche’s response to this effort was succinct: “How stupid.” Unfortunately, we have no record of the Grand Duke’s opinion. Let her heart have full expression, and the answer echo high. With her Russian-loving sisters in a fitting welcome cry? No expense would be spared, for, as an Avalanche editorial noted: “It is but right that Memphis should put on the best appearance possible, so that she may be talked of with admiration and wonder in the courts of Europe.” The “Grand Ducal Ball” would turn out to be the most lavish celebration our city had ever known. How would he dress, and act? More important, how would we dress and act? And how could our proud city hope to entertain such a royal personage during his stay here? Memphis had no experience with such a person. His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke was the son of Alexander II, the czar of Russia. The members of the reception committee carefully selected to greet the Grand Duke’s train were understandably nervous. His visit was an important event in our city’s social history, for it was to be the city’s first brush with royalty.
The Grand Duke’s five-day stay in Memphis - part of a goodwill journey across America - would create a sensation here and overshadow the upcoming Mardi Gras activities. They were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a special train from Louisville carrying a rather select group of passengers: It would include the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia and other foreign dignitaries, escorted by none other than General George A. On a cold February afternoon in 1872, a dozen prominent Memphians impatiently stood in the sleet and snow at the railroad station in Bartlett. This story originally appeared in our June 1985 issue. Editor’s Note: These days, the relationship between the United States and Russia can be described as “complicated.” But more than a century ago, in simpler times, Memphis put on quite a party when the 22-year-old son of the Russian czar visited America as part of a goodwill tour and made a five-day stop here.
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