History in Memphis: Monuments

By Harry Bryant


The town of Memphis, Tennessee is among the most historic cities in the U. S.. Traditionally, it is prominent for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates during the Civil War. It has also become home to several big names in entertainment and politics. As a consequence, one can find many Memphis monuments that also serve as tourist draws.

The Elvis Monument

The monument to Elvis Presley, the late King of Rock n ' Roll, is among the most visited 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 each 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 holiday in Memphis. Popular activity includes taking group footage as a memento. Admission is free too.

Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery is amongst the famous monuments in Memphis due to the many public figures which have been interred in its massive expanse of land. Popular musicians, officeholders and squaddies 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 individuals that are interred in them. Elmwood occupies 80 acres developed as a commemorative park complete along with trees and vistas.

Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument

Yet another monument to a Memphis-born historic figure, this monument is devoted to the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a popular tactician in the Civil War. Serving at first as a non-public in the Confederate Armed forces, but rose quickly through the ranks due to his tactical ability, though preferred, the Monument however is a topic of controversy because Bedford had enriched himself in the slave trade prior to 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. Apart from the Statue of Elvis, another monument to the King of Rock n ' Roll is the Graceland Mansion itself. Here's where Elvis lived in the city of Memphis, and this is also where he is buried. Since 1982, Graceland has turned into a public museum and is visited by more than 500,000 tourists every year. The house is located 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 5/8, in the year of 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 help with his boat - which he named "Zev" - and gathered the the ones that survived. In thanks, Tom Lee received the memorial from the people of Memphis.




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