The French were the first Europeans to occupy this bluff along the Mississippi River. They erected Fort Assumption in 1739. A few months later, they abandoned it. Fort Assumption was located just east of the two old bridges. That's a few blocks from the likely site of our next downtown arena, which we assume won't be abandoned after it's built.
Assumption is an interesting word, both a common and a proper noun with several meanings.
When it's capitalized, Assumption refers to the taking up of the body and soul into heaven, as in the religious belief in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of course, Peete is making the assumption that Memphis has yet to become a great city. That's another meaning of the word. An assumption can be a supposition, a taking for granted without proof. For example, at Tuesday's council meeting, councilman Janet Hooks made the assumption that the presence of an NBA team will lure other companies to move to Memphis.