As we planned our Natchez Trace Parkway road trip last fall, we found the road runs right through Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. So, we added a visit to Elvis’ home to our Natchez Trace itinerary, thinking it would be a quick drive past, maybe even a walk through. Were we ever wrong! The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a whole lot more than a house. There’s a church, museum, park with reflecting pond and more. And then there’s the rest of the town, which still has an Elvis focus.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace grounds includes three paid attractions: the house, a museum, and a church. You can pay to tour one, two, or all three of these attractions. We strongly advise to tour all three attractions. Heck, you’re there, why not? The adult ticket for all three is $25, only $20 for seniors, and less for children.
Elvis Presley Birthplace House
This is the house that Elvis was born in on January 8, 1935. His dad had borrowed $180 from his boss to build it. But, being in the midst of the Great Depression, times were hard, and the two-room house was repossessed after three years. The family then moved to other homes in the area, until the family ultimately moved to Memphis in 1948.
When Elvis was 21 years old, he went back to Tupelo to perform a homecoming concert. With the concert proceeds, he bought the house back, which was in terrible shape, plus fifteen acres. He donated the house and acreage to the city, along with funds to build a park and youth center on the property. Today the youth center houses the welcome center and museum.
********************
Fascinating Fact
Elvis was born a twin. His brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn 25 minutes before Elvis was born.
********************
Since folks often came to Tupelo seeking out Elvis’ home, the local garden club took up the project of restoring the home. Most of the home’s furnishings are not original to the home. However, with the help of Elvis’ father, Vernon, the placement of the furnishings is similar to what they were when the family lived there. Vernon did donate the original icebox, which they had taken with them to Memphis. The fireplace and wood stove are also original.
Elvis Presley Museum
The museum tells the story of Elvis, from his birth to his rise in fame to his death. It includes lots of memorabilia and stories about Elvis as told by close family members.
Be sure to see the museum’s film, which runs about 20 minutes. The film takes you from the time of Elvis’ birth to when the family leaves Tupelo for Memphis.
Assembly of God of East Tupelo Church
This is the church that the Presley family attended while they lived in Tupelo. It’s also where Elvis got his start singing.
When the congregation built a new, larger church, this building was sold to a man who turned it into a home for his family. Once the family moved out, the building sat vacant.
In 2007, the Elvis Presley Foundation purchased the building, which was originally about a block away. They moved it to the Elvis Presley Birthplace grounds and restored it to its 1940s look.
The presentation in the church is about 15 minutes. A docent gives a short introduction. Then, video screens drop from the ceiling, and you find yourself in the midst of a 1940s Assembly of God church service.
The Grounds are Still a Park
Since the grounds are still a park, visitors are welcome at any time, free of charge. Admission is only to tour the home, museum, and/or church.
Behind the museum is where most of the acreage is, including a “Reflections” pond, inviting you to sit in front of the water and “give thanks.” Be sure to make your way to the back of the property (stairs or ramp) to the overlook. According to the signage at the property, it was a favorite place for Elvis to visit in his later years.
Today, two juxtaposed statues, together called “Becoming” stand at the overlook. One statue is of Elvis the eleven-year-old boy, with a guitar. The other is of Elvis the entertainer.
Tupelo Hardware Company
When Elvis’ mother took Elvis to the Tupelo Hardware Company store to buy a gift for his eleventh birthday, Elvis wanted a rifle. His second choice was a bicycle. His mother wouldn’t buy either of those things. She felt they were too dangerous. In tears, Elvis relented when the hardware store owner brought out a guitar. He didn’t really want it, but it was his only choice. The church minister, Rev. Frank Brown, taught Elvis his first chords on that guitar.
The Tupelo Hardware Store today looks a lot like it did in 1946, Elvis’ eleventh birthday. Goods fill the floor-to-ceiling narrow wooden shelves. And an “X” on the floor marks the spot where Elvis stood on the day he got his first guitar.
Fair Park
Also downtown is Fair Park. This is where Elvis performed in 1956 and 1957, which funded the purchase of the home and property. Back then it was called the Tupelo Fairgrounds.
If You Visit Tupelo and the Elvis Presley Birthplace
Tupelo is located in Northeast Mississippi, about 60 miles northeast of Columbus. It is accessible via Interstate 22, U.S. Highway 45, and the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace grounds are open 24 hours a day. The museum, home, and church are open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. These times and ticket prices above are accurate at the time of printing. However, you should check the website prior to visiting to confirm.
More Mississippi Articles
Family-Friendly Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art: Mad Potter Collection and More