Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Memphis Historic Monuments

By Harry Bryant


The town of Memphis, Tennessee is one of the most historical towns in the US. Historically, it is notable for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates during the Civil War. It has additionally become home to one or two important people in entertainment and politics. As a result, 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 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 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 photographs as a souvenir. Admission is free also.

Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery is probably one of the famous monuments in Memphis thanks to the many public figures that've been interred in its massive expanse of land. Popular musicians, officeholders and soldiers that have formed 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 people that are buried in them. Elmwood occupies 80 acres developed as a commemorative park complete with trees and vistas.

Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument

Yet 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 at first as a private in the Confederate Armed forces, but rose quickly through the ranks because of his tactical ability, though preferred, the Monument however is an object of discussion because Bedford had enriched himself in the slave trade prior to the War and he also became the First Grand Magician of the notorious KKK.

Graceland

When one thinks about Memphis, Elvis would always come to the advance guard. Aside from the Statue of Elvis, another monument to the King of Rock n ' Roll is the Graceland Mansion itself. This is where Elvis lived in the town of Memphis, and this is also where he's buried. Since 1982, Graceland has turned into a public museum and is visited by over 500,000 visitors every year. The house is located 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 aid of U.S. Norman in 1925. On May 8, 1925, the steamer had an accident that resulted to it being sunk. Nonetheless thanks to the courage and compassion of Tom Lee, 32 lives were spared death. Lee rushed to the save with his ship - which he named "Zev" - and gathered the survivors. In appreciation, Tom Lee received the memorial from the people of Memphis.




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