Elvis was seen in Tupelo

Leaving Tishomingo behind we aimed our rigs south toward Tupelo, Mississippi.  Even with overcast and rain full clouds the colors were beautiful.

Just a few miles along the way we came upon these ancient burial mounds of nomadic indians.  They would bring their dead and bury them here.  Five of the eight mounds are visible, with the other three behind the trees.

Not far beyond the mounds was this Old Trace pull out.  At this location is the graves of 13 unknown confederate soldiers.

Even these graves sites are honored for Veterans Day on Monday.

Their headstones are turned backwards so they could be identified by travelers walking along the Trace, just to the left in this picture and seen better in the picture below.

We pulled into Tupelo and found the Tombigbee State Park with two available sites.  After hooking everything up we realized how hungry we were.  It was about 1:30 by then so.....let's see if there's a good place to eat and check out the area.

Tupelo is a fair sized town with lots of shopping and restaurants.  Larry and Gail found us a China Buffet.  The food was excellent with lots of choices.









Re-energized we decided to go see the birthplace of Elvis Presley.  How surprised we were to realize this wasn't just a shotgun house it was 15 acres of tribute to Elvis.  His church, the house he was born in, a museum, a gift shop and a memorial building.

Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1935.  I had never heard that Elvis was a twin.

Elvis' father, Vernon Presley built this small house for $150, borrowed from his employer.  There was no plumbing or electric.  They lived here until Elvis was three when the economy turned and the family was unable to keep up with the payments.  At that time they moved around in Tupelo living in numerous homes until they sold all their possessions and took off to Memphis when Elvis was 13.

The furniture in the house is original. It is said in the mid 50's Elvis revisited this house and saw it was for sale along with 15 acres.  He bought it and dedicated it to the town of Tupelo with the provision that it be marked as his birthplace and that the surround area be a park for the children on "the wrong side of town".




The actual room that Elvis was born.



The back room and kitchen.  This is the original stove and heat.

 A single seater.

We were directed up the hill to the small white church.  This is the actual church that Elvis and his family attended and where he first became interested in music and singing.

We sat inside on church pews and watched a re-enactment of a typical church service.  Now this is Mississippi version of IMAX.  Three screens came down with a projection screen for each one.  Each screen showing what would be to your right, left and forward as you sat in the pew.  It was actually very interesting and entertaining, right down to the crying baby to my right, which was actually part of the film.

A Gospel Church Service is definitely something you'd have to get use to.

Below is the Elvis Memorial built from donations from fans from all around the world.

The Elvis Gift Shop had so much Elvis items we actually thought it was part of the Museum.  It wasn't and we were asked as we left why we didn't go to the Museum.  That's when we realized we'd almost missed it.  It wasn't very big but it had plenty to see.  Graceland is where the bulk of Elvis mementos is displayed.



There were no photos allowed in the Museum.  The following pictures were all on display around the gift shop.

Our outing was very interesting and considering we originally thought we were going to see just a house we were impressed.  Not sure what else Tupelo holds for us.  We'll see tomorrow.  It's Sunday and we're in the Bible Belt.  Regardless, thanks for visiting...see you soon.