The city of Memphis, Tennessee is probably one of the most historic towns in the U. S.. Historically, it is distinguished for being one of the strongholds of the Confederates in the Civil War. It has also become home to a few important people 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 amongst 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 per day, and 7 days each 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 holiday in Memphis. Preferred activity includes taking group photos as a memento. Entry is free too.
Elmwood Cemetery
Elmwood Cemetery is one of the famous monuments in Memphis due to the many public figures which have been interred in its huge expanse of land. Popular musicians, officeholders and infantrymen that have formed 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 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 historical figure, it is devoted to the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a preferred tactician during the Civil War. Serving initially as a personal in the Confederate Military, but rose speedily through the ranks because of his tactical ability, though popular, the Monument however is a topic of argument because Bedford had enriched himself in the slave trade prior to the War and he also became the 1st Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.
Graceland
When one thinks about Memphis, Elvis would always come to the front. Aside 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's buried. Since 1982, Graceland has changed into a public museum and is visited by at least 500,000 visitors each year. The mansion is found 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 rescue 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 courage 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 thanks, Tom Lee received the memorial from the people of Memphis.
Harry Bryant has been interested in landmarks in Memphis for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more info about Memphis monuments please visit his site.
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Source:
http://kovinator.com/2013/09/memphis-top-monuments-to-visit/