Tupelo, Mississippi was created when the existing
settlement of Harrisburg was renamed Gum Pond and relocated nearer to the
railroad line. It was again renamed Tupelo after the native name for a type of
tree. Because of its location it has had a huge impact on the nation’s
history. It is situated at the midpoint
of the Natchez Trace, an All-American Road, and occupies a prominent place on
the Mississippi Blues Trail, and the Gold Record Road. Many visitors find the
fact that Elvis was born in Tupelo enough of a reason to stop there. www.tupelo.net
On January 8, 1935 Jessie Garon and Elvis Aaron
Presley, identical twins, were born in a 2-room cabin constructed by Elvis’
father, grandfather and uncle using lumber purchased with $180.00 borrowed from
the landowner. Jessie was stillborn 35-minutes before Elvis’ birth and Elvis
remained an only child for the remainder of his life. Elvis mother Gladys was
of mixed Cherokee heritage and his father, Vernon, was of Scots-Irish, Scottish
and German ancestry. The family was evicted in 1937 because of failure to repay
the loan but moved to various locations in Tupelo until Elvis was 13.
Elvis’ musical foundation was established in Tupelo,
shaped by country music radio, his Pentecostal home church, the spirit and
music of the area black churches and interactions with blues musicians in the African
American Shake Rag neighborhood. In 1945 he performed in a talent show, his first
public radio performance, resulting in a $5.00 prize. In 1948 the family packed
up the car and moved to Memphis for greater opportunity. In the first of his
farewell performances he sang to his Milam Jr. High School class before
departing.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace complex consists of
15-acres and 13 sites including buildings, memorials, historical markers,
movies and exhibits. Tupelo made the decision to purchase the home in 1957.
Elvis supported their efforts by donating the money earned from a Tupelo
Fairgrounds concert for a park on the site.
Self-guided tours begin at the Walk of Life, a
circle paved with granite markers denoting significant events in his life until
age 13. The 2-room Birthplace is set in the circle’s center at its original
location. The shotgun house has been meticulously restored and contains period
furnishings said to have been selected by Vernon Presley himself. The bed,
while not original, is in the exact location of the one in which Elvis was
born.
Elvis’ Childhood Church was relocated to the complex
and visitors can sit in pews and watch a 15-minute movie of a service held in
the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church. His first love was gospel and he wanted
to become a member of a gospel quartet. Later in life Elvis would be nominated
for 14 Grammy nominations and would win 3 times, all of which were for gospel
recordings.
The granite path from the birth home leads to “Elvis
At 13”, a life-sized bronze statue. He stands with his guitar, dressed humbly
but with a determined gaze.
The Elvis Presley Museum details the life of young
Elvis with photographs, memorabilia and artifacts. The exhibits are
chronological and convey a sense of intimacy. Many of the items are from
personal collections.
Memphis Bound”, a replica of the 1939 green Plymouth
the family drove to Memphis, is on the exterior of the Elvis Presley Museum.
www.elvispresleybirthplace.com
An overlook was recently created with benches,
interpretive information and a sculpture of a milk-crate seated 11-year old
Elvis in front of a standing, caped Elvis at the height of his worldwide popularity.
“Becoming” was unveiled in 2015. A semi-circular wall behind the sculpture
provides details of his life and career. It is on the site where Elvis played
as a child, a short drive from Elvis Birthplace.
Tupelo Hardware Co. has been family owned for
90-years and is the place where Gladys Presley purchased her son’s first
guitar. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and listen to a recounting of the sale.
A replica is on display complete with taped sides. The instrument was not his
first choice and legend has it that Gladys apologized for not being able to
afford what he wanted. He allegedly replied, “That’s alright mama.” www.tupelo-hardware.myshopify.com
For a time the Presley’s lived
in the Shake Rag, largely black community, north of Main Street. Music filled
the area and Elvis was, no doubt, profoundly influenced. So many important
musicians lived in the community that it is a site on the Mississippi Blues Trail.
One of the premiere stops in
the city is the Tupelo Automobile Museum, a private collection of more than 100
antique, classic and collectible vehicles in a 120,000 sq.-ft. display area. Self-guided
tours are chronological and highlights include a Tucker, a magnificent Duesenberg,
a unique pizza delivery car and cars owned by BB King and Liberace. A Lincoln
owned by Elvis is featured in an area filled with Presley memorabilia and a
complete set of his movie posters. Information on individual cars is available
through audio and video. www.tupeloautomuseum.com
Johnnie's Drive In is said to be the oldest
restaurant in the city and a place where Elvis liked to dine. It is affordable,
the food is good and, if you are lucky, you can sit in the Elvis Booth to dine
or for a photo op. 908 E. Main St.
The Blue Canoe is a must
before departing. The restaurant
features live music and one of the “Top 10 Burgers” in the state.
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