Elvis Presley Birthplace Part 1

Elvis Presley Birthplace Part 1

Having lived near Tupelo, MS, my entire life, I have been by Elvis Presley’s Birthplace hundreds of times. Every time, I think, ‘He lived the American dream’. He was born in a modest two-room house his father built and rose to superstardom. I think everyone would agree he changed music forever. If you find yourself traveling between Birmingham, AL, and Memphis, TN, make a point to stop in Tupelo, MS. Visit the birthplace and Tupelo Hardware, where Elvis purchased his first guitar. You’ll be glad you did.

Elvis Presley Birthplace

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, MS, on January 8, 1935. He lived in this modest, two-room house that his father, Vernon, built. He lived in Tupelo for the first 13 years of his life.

This is the house that Elvis lived in. A very simple two-room ‘Shot Gun’ house.

The gray sidewalk in the background of this picture contains dated granite blocks denoting each year of Elvis’ life.

Elvis’s father, Vernon, his grandfather, Jessie, and his uncle, Vester, built the home in 1934 for $180.

The city of Tupelo purchased the home in 1957. Elvis wanted a park for children and donated profits from a 1957 concert to fund it. They have restored the house to its original condition and decorated it with period furniture. The public can tour it.

“Elvis at 13” Statue

At the suggestion of a fan, the Elvis Presley Foundation commissioned a bronze statue in his likeness at age 13. The statue, pictured above, displays steps from his house. It portrays him in overalls, a simple long-sleeved shirt, and plain shoes to depict the poverty of those early years.

The statue is life-size. The sculptor worked from photographs (now displayed in the museum) to determine his facial features and body size. Designers calculated his height from a sixth-grade class picture by comparing himself to other classmates and by measuring the brick and mortar in the background wall.

In August 2002, fans unveiled and dedicated the statue.

As well, it is one of the most popular photo areas at the memorial.

The Fountain of Life.

Fountain and markers representing his 13 years in Tupelo. As well, the 29 lower spouts represent his remaining years in Memphis.

Next is an article in the Commercial Appeal about Elvis’s move to Memphis.

This is the model and year car that the Presleys drove in their move to Memphis. However, it is not the actual car.

As well, it’s a 1939 green Plymouth sedan. It faces northwest toward Memphis.

This is the first part of a series on the history of Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo, MS. I hope you have enjoyed the tour. For the Second part of this series, check out Elvis Presley quitars.

Check out every article in this series, beginning with Elvis Presley’s Birthplace Part 1. For tours and ticket information, check out the official Elvis Presley Birthplace site. Enjoy this resource Elvis, Food, Tours: Tupelo Ms in 24 Hours, when planning your trip to Tupelo. More information.