Graceland Memphis, Tennessee

National Register Data

Graceland has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places with the following information. Note: some of this data may have become outdated since the listing date. View full NRHP data →

National Register ID

91001585

Date Listed

19911107

Name

Graceland

Address

3764 Elvis Presley Blvd.

City/Town

Memphis

County

Shelby

State

Tennessee

Category

district

Creators

Furbringer & Ehrman

Level of Significance

national

Years of Significance

1957

Areas of Significance

PERFORMING ARTS

National Register Significance Summary

Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is significant under criterion B and criterion exception G as the residence of one of America's most famous entertainers. From his humble beginnings, Presley took legendary steps that shaped "Rock and Roll" music and the popular music of today. Elvis Presley's twenty-four year career in music and film made him a well known figure, famous throughout the United States and the world for his contributions to popular entertainment. Elvis Presley bought Graceland in 1957 after he launched his career and continued to live there until his death in 1977. Graceland, whose name has become synonymous with the history of rock and roll, was ? a vital part of Elvis Presley's life and remains an enduring cultural symbol in America.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. At the age of thirteen, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee with his parents. In 1953 Presley graduated from Humes High School and was working for Crown Electric Company as a truck driver... more →

National Register Description Summary

Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is located on a 13.8 acre lot in the city of Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. When Graceland was built on this property in 1939, the area was predominantly rural. Today the property is located in what is known as the Whitehaven community. This part of the county was annexed by Memphis in 1969. The neighborhood is commercial along Elvis Presley Boulevard with suburban houses on the smaller side streets. Graceland is an expansive property with mature tree growth in the middle of this neighborhood.

The physical description of Graceland involves three periods of ownership; the Moore Family, Elvis Presley, and the Elvis Presley Estate. The first owners of Graceland were the Moore family who built it in 1939. Elvis Presley bought Graceland in 1957 and lived there until his death in 1977. Today Graceland is operated as a house museum. Presley made alterations and additions to the original house during his occupancy and slight alterations have occurred to the buildings and site under the estate's management... more →