I can only imagine how bitter-sweet that winter day was in 1935. As I stand in the tiny front room of the two-room house where Elvis Presley was born, the reality of how poor his family was is palpable.
Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His identical twin, Jessie Garon, arrived first but was still-born.
As the tour guide puts it, “The doctor was ready to leave but the midwife convinced him to stay because she thought there was another baby coming.”
Elvis Presley Birthplace
306 Elvis Presley Drive
Tupelo, MS 38801
662-841-1245
This story was posted on January 8, 2013 and updated in Jan. 2020.
If you’ve already read this article and are ready to plan your trip, click on this image. #everytripmatters
Touring The Elvis Presley Birthplace
78 years later I can hardly wrap my head around the story. Today, we know so much about babies before they’re born. It seems impossible a medical doctor wouldn’t have known Gladys Presley was having twins.
The Presley family lived in the tiny dwelling in Tupelo until Elvis was two and a half years old. They lost the house Vernon Presley purchased for $180 due to lack of payment.
Vernon and Gladys took odd jobs and moved from place to place while living in Tupelo, but times were hard and the depression took its toll on the Presley family.
Eventually, in 1948, Vernon moved the family to Memphis in hopes of finding work and making a better life.
But Elvis never forgot those early years in Tupelo and returned nine years later to perform a benefit concert for the city. He performed under the condition the proceeds would be used to purchase the old home and turn the land into a park.
Elvis Presley Visitor Center
Today, the Elvis Presley Birthplace welcomes visitors from around the world. There’s a museum, gift shop, and film about the family’s time in Tupelo in addition to the home, chapel and a “Memphis-Bound” old-time car.
► PLAN YOUR VISIT NOW
On hotel bookings, this is up to the hotel chain. Once you make your booking and have received your confirmation, call your hotel loyalty customer service number and give them the hotel confirmation number (this is different from the Trip ID). Ask them to enter your number in the record. Or you can ask at the hotel when you check in.
On car rental or air bookings, the system will prompt you for your number and it will be in your booking with the travel provider.
If you want to sign up for your own tool, either as an individual, a company or a non-profit, click on the link below to register for your own tool. It is free and it only takes minutes.
Visit Details
Elvis Presley fans will find the birthplace a must-see location. However, even if you’re only slightly interested – the story of the King of Rock-n-Roll’s impoverished beginnings is compelling.
When planning your visit, you’ll want to allocate at least an hour and a half to immerse yourself in the Elvis experience. Follow the timeline and be sure to enjoy the museum, film, and the grounds. The fountains, bridge, and gardens make a pilgrimage to Elvis’ birthplace feel almost like a spiritual journey. The gift shop is pretty outstanding too!
Two Must-Visit Museums in Mount Airy, NC: The Andy Griffith Museum & The Siamese Twins Museum
Mount Airy, North Carolina, may be best known as the inspiration for Mayberry, but there’s more to discover beyond the TV connection. Two standout museums in Mount Airy, NC—the Andy Griffith Museum and the lesser-known but equally fascinating Siamese Twins Museum—offer a unique glimpse into local history and remarkable lives. Whether you’re a classic TV fan or a curious history buff, these museums deliver stories as memorable as the people they honor.
A Cozy Escape to Riversong Cabin Rentals in Elkin, NC
If you’re ready for a peaceful retreat, Riversong Cabin Rentals in Elkin, North Carolina offers a fantastic rustic escape while providing all of the comforts of home. Travel there with PullOverandLetMeOut to learn why this is the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Whispers of the Past: A Ghost Tour Through Raleigh, NC
Join PullOverandLetMeOut for a spine-chilling journey through Raleigh, North Carolina’s haunted history on the Raleigh Ghosts & Ghouls Hauntings Tour by US Ghost Adventures.
3 thoughts on “The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo”
I absolutely loved learning about the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo – it’s a must-visit for any fan of the King!
The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo is a must-visit spot for all music lovers wanting to explore the roots of the legendary icon!
I absolutely agree! 🙂