After visiting the charming town of Laurel, Mississippi, we headed north forgoing the Natchez Trace. We had considered that historical route, but a friend suggested a quicker route. Apparently the Trace’s speed limit is 40 miles per hour. We arrived in Tupelo as the sun was setting. Much nightlife was happening on Main Street, but supper and relaxing in our room sounded more desirable.
Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we headed to Elvis’ Birthplace, Museum and Church Complex. In 1934 Vernon, Elvis’ father, borrowed $180 for materials to build a small frame house in East Tupelo. The family resided there for three years until it was repossessed when Vernon was unable to repay the $180 loan. After living is various other Tupelo houses, the Presley family moved to Memphis.
What a very simple and religious upbringing the King of Rock and Roll had. Many of you have had the pleasure of seeing the movie “Elvis.” We stopped at the Tupelo Hardware Company and saw the exact spot (X marked the spot in the photo below) where Elvis held his first newly-purchased guitar. He had wanted a gun, but his mother Gladys decided a guitar was much safer. And the rest is history.