Saturday, July 13, 2013

Memphis Historic Monuments

By Harry Bryant


The city of Memphis, Tennessee is among the most historical towns in the U. S.. Historically, it is distinguished for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates in the Civil War. It has additionally become home to several important players in entertainment and politics. As a result, 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 among 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 per 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 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 as well.

Elmwood Cemetery

Elmwood Cemetery is probably one of the famous monuments in Memphis due to the many public figures that've been interred in its vast 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 interred in them. Elmwood uses 80 acres constructed as a commemorative park complete with trees and vistas.

Nathan Bedford Forrest Monument

Another monument to a Memphis-born historical 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 personal in the Confederate Armed forces, but rose quickly through the ranks due to his tactical ability, though popular , 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 1st 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. This is where Elvis lived in the city of Memphis, and this is also where he's buried. Since 1982, Graceland has turned into a public museum and is visited by more than 500,000 tourists each year. The house is located at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Tom Lee Memorial

Last although 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 aid of U.S. Norman in 1925. On 5/8/1925, 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 rescue with his ship - which he named "Zev" - and gathered the survivors. In gratitude, Tom Lee received the commemorative from the people of Memphis.




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