Monuments In Memphis

The town of Memphis, Tennessee is among the most historical cities in the U. S.. Historically, it is prominent for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates during the Civil War. It has also become home to 1 or 2 big names in entertainment and politics. As a consequence, you will see many Memphis monuments that also serve as tourist sights.

The Elvis Monument

The monument to Elvis Presley, the late King of Rock n’ Roll, is probably one of the most famous Memphis monuments. Though born in Tupelo, Elvis spent the majority of his life in Memphis and also started his career there. The Statue of Elvis can be accessed 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week. It simply stands there on Beale Street, right in the guts of downtown Memphis. The statue is imposing with a height of roughly 9.5 feet. This is a must-visit when one is on a vacation in Memphis. Popular activity includes taking group photographs as a memento. Entry is free too.

Elmwood Cemetery

It is among the famous monuments in Memphis because of the many public figures which have been interred in its vast expanse of land. Artists, officeholders and infantrymen that have formed the history of Tennessee lie interred in this historical landmark. In here, one can find examples of Victorian architecture and sculptures like angels, flowers and mausoleums guarded by statues of the people that are buried in them. Elmwood occupies 80 acres developed as a commemorative park complete with trees and vistas.

Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument

Another monument to a Memphis-born historical figure, it is dedicated to the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a popular tactician in the Civil War. Serving initially as a personal in the Confederate Army, but rose swiftly through the ranks due to his tactical prowess, though popular, the Monument however is a subject of controversy because Bedford had improved himself in the slave trade before the War and he also became the 1st Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

Graceland

When one thinks about Memphis, Elvis would always come to the forefront. Except for the Statue of Elvis, another monument to the King of Rock n ‘ Roll is the Graceland Mansion itself. Here's where Elvis lived in the city of Memphis, and this is also where he is buried. Since 1982, Graceland has changed into a public museum and is visited by more than 500,000 visitors each year. The mansion is found at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Tom Lee Memorial

Last but not the least among the monuments in Memphis, the Tom Lee Memorial Park is a tribute to Tom Lee, an African-American boatman who rushed to the assistance of U.S. Norman in 1925. On May 8, 1925, the steamer had an accident that resulted to it being sunk. But thanks to the bravery and compassion of Tom Lee, 32 lives were spared death. Lee rushed to the rescue with his boat – which he named “Zev” – and gathered the survivors. In thanks, Tom Lee received the memorial from the people of Memphis.

Harry Bryant has had an interest in landmarks in Memphis for several years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more info about Memphis monuments come and visit his site.

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Monuments In Memphis