The little shotgun shack built by Vernon Presley for his family is not very big, the memories being much more voluminous than those of a material nature. It is the original home, restored to the state it would have been at the time of his birth.
The grounds of this Mississippi Historic Site also hosts a small museum, an events center, and the Assembly of God Church where the Presley family worshiped, and where a young Elvis first encountered the gospel music that would shape and influence his career.
Elvis really only lived in this house a couple of years after his birth. His family remained in Tupelo until he was 5, but eventually piled everyone into their 1939 Plymouth and made the move to Memphis. He never forgot the town or the people that helped in his success. He returned to Tupelo in 1956 to perform a benefit for the City, and then a year later to raise money to build a Youth Center and park for Tupelo.
The proceeds from the latter show used to purchase his birth home and land for a park for the neighborhood children. Listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail, this site is an essential stop for anyone with an interest in the humble beginnings of a real music and movie industry icon, still known as the King of Rock & Roll.
