History in Memphis: Monuments

By Harry Bryant


The city of Memphis, Tennessee is amongst the most historical towns in the US. Historically, it is prominent for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates in 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 visited Memphis monuments. Though born in Tupelo, Elvis spent almost all 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 heart 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 footage as a souvenir. Entry is free too.

Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery is probably one of the famous monuments in Memphis because of the many public figures that've been interred in its enormous expanse of land. Popular musicians, politicians and soldiers that have shaped the history of Tennessee lie interred in this historic landmark. In here, one can find examples of Victorian architecture and sculptures like angels, flowers and mausoleums guarded by statues of the individuals that are laid to rest in them. Elmwood occupies 80 acres built as a memorial park complete with trees and vistas.

Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument

Another monument to a Memphis-born historic figure, this monument is dedicated to the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a popular tactician in the Civil War. Serving initially as a non-public in the Confederate Armed forces, but rose speedily through the ranks because of his tactical prowess, though popular , the Monument however is a subject of discussion because Bedford had improved himself in the slave trade before the War and he also became the First Grand Wizard of the notorious KKK.

Graceland

When one thinks about Memphis, Elvis would always come to the advance guard. 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 town of Memphis, and this is also where he is buried. Since 1982, Graceland has changed into a public museum and is visited by at least 500,000 tourists each year. The mansion is found at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Tom Lee Memorial

Last but not the least amongst the monuments in Memphis, the Tom Lee Memorial Park is a tribute to Tom Lee, an African-American boatman who rushed to the salvation 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 courage and compassion of Tom Lee, 32 lives were spared death. Lee rushed to the save with his boat - which he named "Zev" - and gathered the survivors. In thanks, Tom Lee received the memorial from the people of Memphis.




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