Visiting the Birthplace of Elvis is Top on Fan’s List
Which should you see 1st, the Birthplace of Elvis Presley or Graceland? Doesn’t matter, as long as you see both. For an Elvis fan, it’s a must. Even though they are in two different states, they are only 90-minutes apart.
My earliest memory of Elvis is watching him in “Follow That Dream.” My parents called me downstairs to watch the movie. Their purpose? Steer me away from the Beatles. (By the way, I love both—however after watching the movie, Elvis took top billing in my book.)
For us, Graceland came 1st. It was later on that we had the opportunity to pass through Tupelo and, of course, we stopped. The visit was short and after hours but nonetheless enjoyable.
Here’s what we experienced during our brief after hours visit.
Location:
306 Elvis Presley Drive
Tupelo, MS 38801
Contact:
(662) 841-1245
Hours:
11-5, M-F
9-5, Sat
1-5, Sun
Fees:
Building Tours - $9+
Park visit - FREE
Website:
Elvis Presley Birthplace
Overview Map can be found near the museum entrance and beside the path leading the birthplace.
Elvis Presley Park Home to Birthplace and More
The house where Elvis was born sits within the 15-acre “Elvis Presley Birthplace Park.” In addition to the birthplace, you will find a museum, church, chapel, statues, and other attractions.
The overview map gives you a good idea of the property size. As you can see, there are plenty of places to explore. You can spend an hour and see the basics or spend all day. We were short on time but think it’s worth a return trip to see more.
Elvis’ father, Vernon, built the small two-room house in 1934 with help from his father, Jessie, and brother. Vester.
Information signs placed around the park tell stories pertinent to Elvis’ life.
The Birthplace
This modest “shotgun house" is the humble beginning of one of the most famous entertainers of all time.
It was January 8, 1935 when Gladys Presley gave birth here—to Elvis and a stillborn twin brother, Jessie.
The Presleys lived in the house about 3-years, having to move when Vernon could not repay the $180 bank loan.
Since we were there after hours, we could not go inside but did enjoy the porch swing (not there during Elvis’ time.) Incidentally, we understand the furniture inside was hand-picked by Vernon to match what was there in 1935.
Walkway circling the birthplace has markers for each of the 13-years Elvis lived in Tupelo.
The place where Elvis Presley first became interested in music.
The Church
The Presleys attended the First Assembly of God Pentecostal Church. The actual building now resides in Elvis Presley Birthplace Park, having been moved here in 2008 from a block away. It has been restored to its original condition.
This church is where Elvis first experienced and grew to love gospel music. The minister, Frank Smith, noticed Elvis’ interest in music. He taught Elvis how to make three chords needed to play the 1st song he recorded, “Ole Shep.”
If you want to experience a typical evening service, be sure to visit during open hours. A 15-minute media production takes you back to a 1940’s era service. (Missed it—but there will be a return trip!)
Life-size statue of Elvis at age 13
The Boy, the Guitar, and the Music
In October 1945, Elvis sang “Ole Shep” on the radio. It was for a talent contest at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair. Elvis won 5th prize—$5 worth of fair ride tickets.
A short 3-months later, Gladys Presley, Elvis’ mother, did the world a favor. She bought his 1st guitar for his 11th birthday. Elvis was often seen carrying the guitar around town.
Blues, country, and gospel music along with pop became part of his musical mix. In the long run, it was the beloved songs of his youth that played a big part in Elvis’ career.
Another of the 13 markers surrounding the birthplace of Elvis
Thousands Visit the Birthplace of Elvis
Elvis Presley Birthplace Park spotlights his childhood in Tupelo. Over 50,000 visit the birthplace each year, enjoying all the park offers.
If seeing the humble beginnings of the King of Rock ‘n Roll is on your bucket list, go! Plan to go during the day to see inside the buildings.
Still, if you drop by after hours, it’s a worthy detour on your trip.
About Elvis Presley Birthplace Park
In 1956, Elvis returned to Tupelo for a concert, donating the proceeds for a neighborhood park. With the donation, the City of Tupelo purchased the birthplace house and 15-acres surrounding.
Elvis returned again in 1957 for a 2nd concert. Roy Turner, Executive Director of the Birthplace Museum told us, "Elvis gave the check to the mayor and told him to build a youth center for the kids of East Tupelo."
Roy continued, "We had no park or anything on this side of town. I think it speaks volumes that a 21-year old rock star was thinking about the kids back home."
Not much more was done on the house at the time, even though fans began trekking to see Elvis’ birthplace. It was the East Heights Garden Club, in 1971, who improved the house, opening it for tours. They also provided tour guides.
Over the years a museum, bronze statues, the Church, Story Wall, and a “Memphis Bound” auto (similar to the car used by the Presleys when moving from Tupelo) became part of the Park.
Now the park features include lawns, pathways, a pond, event center and theater, and lots of parking.
Elvis never forgot his roots and Tupelo never forgot their favorite son.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
Thank you for the neat summing up with great photos of the Elvis Presley birthplace park.
We appreciate your kind words. It is really a sweet place to visit.
My pleasure, because the statue of Elvis at 13 is there at my suggestion to the Mayor of Tupelo by letter back in January 2001. Story well documented in the Daily Journal of Tupelo and the media internationally..
Wow! Thank you for the great suggestion. I love that particular statue as it really helps you see him as a boy with a dream.