Monuments To Visit in Memphis

by Harry Bryant

The city of Memphis, Tennessee is one of the most historic cities in the US. Traditionally, it is distinguished for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates during the Civil War. It has also become home to several important people in entertainment and politics. As a consequence, one can find many Memphis monuments that also serve as tourist attractions.

The Elvis Monument

The monument to Elvis Presley, the late King of Rock n' Roll, is amongst the most famous Memphis monuments. Though born in Tupelo, Elvis spent most 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 each week. It simply stands there on Beale Street, right in the center of downtown Memphis. The statue is imposing with a height of approximately 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. Admission is free as well.

Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery  is among the well known monuments in Memphis due to the many public figures that've been interred in its huge expanse of land. Artists, politicians and infantrymen that have shaped the history of Tennessee lie interred in this consequential landmark. In here, one can find examples of Victorian design 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 along with trees and vistas.

Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument

Another monument to a Memphis-born historical figure, it is devoted to the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a popular tactician in the Civil War. Serving at first as a private in the Confederate Army, but rose speedily through the ranks due to his tactical ability, though popular, the Monument however is a subject of argument because Bedford had enriched himself in the slave trade before the War and he also became the First Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

Graceland

When one thinks about Memphis, Elvis would always come to the front. Except for the Statue of Elvis, another monument to the King of Rock n ' Roll is the Graceland Mansion itself. Here is where Elvis lived in the city of Memphis, and this is also where he's buried. Since 1982, Graceland has changed into a public museum and is visited by at least 500,000 visitors every 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 rescue 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 ship - which he named "Zev" - and gathered the survivors. In thanks, Tom Lee received the commemorative from the people of Memphis.



Harry Bryant has been fascinated by <a href="http://www.landoftheblues.com/">landmarks in Memphis</a> for several years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about <a href="http://www.landoftheblues.com/articles/monuments-in-memphis/">Memphis monuments</a> come visit his site.

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