Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
In 1957, at only 22 years old, Elvis Presley made one of the most iconic purchases of his lifetime: Graceland. For $102,500, the King of Rock and Roll acquired the Memphis mansion that would become his cherished home base for the next two decades.
Situated on nearly 14 acres, Graceland was originally built in 1939 by Dr. Thomas Moore and his wife Ruth. The estate sat on land that was once part of a sprawling 500-acre farm known as “Graceland,” named in honor of Grace, the daughter of the original owner and Ruth Moore’s great-aunt. The Moores’ elegant white-columned residence quickly became a local landmark — and when Elvis bought the property, he chose to keep the name.
For Presley, who was born Elvis Aaron Presley on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, the purchase was more than a home. It was a symbol of his meteoric rise from humble beginnings to international stardom. Graceland became a sanctuary where he could retreat from the pressures of fame, entertain friends and family, and nurture his music.
Elvis lived there until his passing on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, Graceland is not only his final resting place but also one of the most visited private homes in the United States, drawing millions of fans from around the world each year.
From its white pillars to its musical history, Graceland remains a powerful symbol of Presley’s life, his legacy, and the city of Memphis — forever linked to the King who once called it home.