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.
![Elvis Presley birthplace in Tupelo, MS](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presleys-birthplace-1.jpg)
Touring The Elvis Presley Birthplace
![Front room at Elvis Presley birthplace.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-Birthplace-Front-Room.jpg)
![The kitchen table in the Elvis Presley birthplace.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-Birthplace-wallpaper.jpg)
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.
![Presley family portrait.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-family-portrait.jpg)
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.
![Memphis Bound car at Elvis Presley birthplace](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-Car-to-Memphis-768x614.jpg)
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.
![Elvis Presley's childhood church in Tupelo, MS.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-moving-the-church.jpg)
![Exterior of the Elvis Presley birthplace visitor center.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-Visitors-Center.jpg)
► 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!
![Bronze statue of Elvis at13.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Elvis-Presley-young-Elvis-statue.jpg)
![PullOver Pro Tip picture](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/PRO-TIP.png)
![Fountain at Elvis Presley's birthplace in Tupelo.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Fountain-of-Elvis-Presley-life.jpg)
![cover picture for Elkin NC](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Elkin-North-Carolina-PullOverandLetMeOut-300x158.jpg)
Why You Should Explore Elkin, North Carolina
Nestled along the banks of the Yadkin River in the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley, you will find the charming town of Elkin. Imbued with a rich history and a scenic setting, it is lovingly referred to as the “Best Little Town” in North Carolina. Travel there with PullOverandLetMeOut to discover why you should explore Elkin, North Carolina.
![a monument with columns in front of it](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/top-tips-for-visit-to-Abaham-Lincoln-Birthplace-PullOverandLetMeOut-300x158.jpg)
Top Tips for an Unforgettable Visit to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky is a historic site rich with heritage and charm. Travel there with PullOverandLetMeOut to learn the top tips for planning an unforgettable visit to the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace.
![picture of the big bat in front of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Visiting-the-Louisville-Slugger-Museum-Factory-PullOverandLetMeOut-300x158.jpg)
Visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory “For the Love of Baseball”
Travel to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory with PullOverandLetMeOut for a one-of-a-kind tour that will delight baseball fans. This powerhouse museum tells the tale of the iconic baseball bat and the heroes of the game who have made history stepping up to the plate with a Louisville Slugger.
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! 🙂