Elvis Presley’s Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi: A Journey to the Roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8th, 1935. Today, the home where Elvis was born is preserved as a destination that honors the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The modest home showcases his humble beginnings, where he spent his early years, and influences that would later change the course of music history.

Visiting Elvis Presley’s Birthplace and Childhood Home

We pulled into the parking lot early on a fall weekday. We arrived well before they were opening. We’d spent the night before camping in nearby Trace State Park. It was a pleasant morning but very humid and wet. It poured rain the night prior, and you could smell the moisture in the air.

While the museum was closed, the grounds were open. We hopped out of the car in the empty parking lot and started exploring.

Within a few minutes, we were at the centerpiece of the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, the two-room shotgun house where Elvis Aaron Presley was born. Note this is two rooms, not two bedrooms. The home has a bedroom/family room and a kitchen/dining room. It was built by his father, Vernon Presley, for just $180; the house is a reminder of Elvis’s modest upbringing.

The home has been restored to its original condition. If you plan better than we did, you can see where the future music icon spent his earliest days.

“All my life, I’ve always had a pretty nice time. We didn’t have any money or nothing, but we always managed. We never had any luxuries but we never went hungry.” – Elvis

Elvis’s Church

Next to the home is the Assembly of God Church. This is the actual church where young Elvis first encountered gospel music. The building was relocated to the birthplace site and restored, allowing you to experience the environment that would later influence his music.

A minister at the church embraced and fostered Elvis’s love of music. He taught him how to play D, A, and E chords on the guitar, all Elvis needed to play “Ole Shep.”

The Elvis Presley Museum and Memorials

Beyond the home and church, the Elvis Presley Museum is home to a fascinating collection of memorabilia, childhood artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Elvis’s early years. The museum walks visitors through his journey from a poor boy in Tupelo to an international superstar. While we did not get to check out the museum, the next time we are in Tupelo, it is a must-visit for us.

One of the site’s highlights is the “Walk of Life,” a walkway surrounding the house that chronicles Elvis’s life yearly from 1935 to 1977. Along the way, commemorative markers detail significant milestones in his career.

The statue of 13-year-old Elvis captures the spirit of the budding musician before fame found him. This bronze sculpture contrasts with the more famous images of Elvis in his rock ‘n’ roll prime, again paying homage to his humble roots.

A Deeper Connection to Elvis’s Story

One of the most touching aspects of visiting Elvis’s birthplace is the connection it provides to his story. Unlike the grandeur of Graceland, where Elvis spent his later years, Tupelo offers a quieter, more personal look at the challenges and experiences that shaped him. You can sit in the same church pews where he first sang, walk the streets he once did, and gain a deeper appreciation for how his upbringing influenced his legendary career.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just curious about his roots, Tupelo offers an unforgettable experience into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Other Elvis-Themed Attractions in Tupelo

While in Tupelo, don’t miss other key Elvis-related sites:

Tupelo Hardware Company – The store where Elvis’s mother, Gladys, bought him his first guitar. The friendly staff often share the story of how young Elvis originally wanted a rifle, but his mother persuaded him to choose the guitar instead.

The Elvis Presley Driving Trail – A self-guided tour of important locations from Elvis’s childhood, including his schools and the fairgrounds where he first performed publicly.

The Tupelo Fairgrounds Marker – The site where 10-year-old Elvis performed “Old Shep” in a talent contest, an early taste of the stage presence that would later captivate the world.

Planning Your Visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace

The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum offers guided and self-guided tours year-round. Tupelo is a leisurely road trip from Memphis, about 90 miles away, making for an excellent day trip or weekend getaway for Elvis fans. Nashville is a three-and-a-half-hour drive away.