Although the Missouri General Assembly organized Scotland County on January 29, 1841, the town of Memphis was not developed until more than two years later.

[7] The name had been previously used by a U.S. Post Office that operated near the North Fabius River a short distance away.

Early settler Samuel Cecil donated about 50 acres of land to the county for the new town.

After being laid out in town lots, the original plat of Memphis was filed in county court on October 11, 1843.

Scotland County's first courthouse, a two-story brick structure, was completed in June 1845 at a cost of $1,500.

That building served the county well until the turn of the 20th century, but its small size made it outdated; it measured 40 by 70 feet.

On July 13, 1862, Confederate Colonel Joseph C. Porter approached Memphis in four converging columns totaling 125–169 men, and captured the city with little or no resistance.

[9] They first raided the federal armory, seizing about 100 muskets with cartridge boxes and ammunition, and several uniforms.

He gave safe passage to a physician, an admitted Union supporter, who was anxious to return to a seriously ill wife.

This act has been variously interpreted as lawlessness, intervention on behalf of criminal associates, or interference with politically motivated, fraudulent charges.

Stacy was generally regarded as a bushwhacker; other members of Porter's command called his company "the chain gang".

The doctor's body was found the next day, marked by signs consistent with hanging or strangulation.

Public education in Memphis is administered by Scotland County R-I School District.