Monuments in Memphis

By Harry Bryant


The town of Memphis, Tennessee is one of the most historical towns in the U. S.. Historically, it is distinguished for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates during the Civil War. It has additionally become home to several big names in entertainment and politics. As a result, one can find 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 talked 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 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. Entry is free too.

Elmwood Cemetery

It is one of the well known monuments in Memphis because of the many public figures that have been interred in its vast expanse of land. Artists, statesmen and soldiers that have shaped the history of Tennessee lie interred in this consequential 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 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 historic figure, the Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument is dedicated to the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a popular tactician during the Civil War. Serving at first as a private in the Confederate Army, but rose swiftly through the ranks due to his tactical ability, though preferred, the Monument however is a subject of argument because Bedford had improved himself in the slave trade before the War and he also became the First Grand Magician of the Ku Klux Klan.

Graceland

When one thinks about Memphis, Elvis would always come to the front. Apart from 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 more than 500,000 tourists each year. The house is found at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Tom Lee Memorial

Last though 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. However , 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 appreciation, Tom Lee received the commemorative from the people of Memphis.




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