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
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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 photo of the Sanders Cafe in Corbin, Kentucky](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Birthplace-of-Kentucky-Fried-Chicken-Fried-Chicken-PullOverandLetMeOut-300x158.jpg)
Visit the Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Corbin, Kentucky
The Bluegrass State is well-known for many things, from racehorses to bourbon. However, when it comes to cuisine, there is perhaps nothing more iconic than the finger-licking goodness made famous by Colonel Sanders. Travel to Corbin, Kentucky with PullOverandLetMeOut to visit the Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
![cover photo of the front of the Southfork Ranch from the TV show Dallas.](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tour-the-Southfork-Ranch-from-the-Hit-TV-Show-Dallas-PullOverandLetMeOut-300x158.jpg)
Tour the Southfork Ranch from the Hit TV Show Dallas
Southfork Ranch was the iconic setting of the hit TV series Dallas. From 1978-1991 fans faithfully tuned in and followed the adventures of JR and the rest of the Ewing family. Travel to this legendary ranch with PullOverandLetMeOut and take the tour!
![a cover photo of a historic tavern's entance](https://pulloverandletmeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Talbott-tavern-Bardstown-Kentucky-PullOverandLetMeOut-300x158.jpg)
Enjoy a Historic Stay at the Talbott Tavern
The Talbott Tavern has been a mainstay of Bardstown, Kentucky’s downtown since 1779. In a town recognized as the Bourbon Capital of the World, the tavern has seen its share of famous and not-so-famous guests over the years. Travel there with PullOverandLetMeOut to learn about an enjoyable stay at the historic Talbott Tavern.
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! 🙂