5 Facts About Elvis Presley’s Graceland
on Jun 08, 2016 • Updated Oct 23, 2020
One of the most acclaimed musicians in modern history, Elvis Presley left behind an incredible legacy that has captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide.
With the success of his very first hit, “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1956, Presley began on a path that wouldn’t slow down at all. Very soon, he and his family were on the search for another home because they required more privacy as his star-status grew.
The family purchased the Graceland Estate in March 1957 and most of his immediate family lived in the mansion for the rest of their lives. Although many of the homes’ features and the intricate details of Presley’s decorating choices are widely-known, we’ve detailed 5 shocking facts that you may not have heard in the list below!
1. The Purchase Price
In 1957, Elvis Presley bought the house from Ruth and Charles Cobb for just around $102,000 – which is the equivalent of more than $860,000 today!
The King was only 22-years-old at the time!
2. The Endless Break-Ins
Over the years, a huge number of people tried to make their way into Presley’s grand estate and one of those youngsters jumping the gate vying for some time with The King was Bruce Springsteen.
The would-be-superstar was promptly removed from the estate and then informed that Presley wasn’t even at home.
3. Upstairs At Graceland
Many people who visit Graceland wonder why the upstairs portion of the home is off-limits to the public and there are several reasons, but the most important is that it was a very special place for Presley, regarded as a sanctuary between him and the rest of the world.
After a game of racquetball, @ElvisPresley sang and played “Unchained Melody” on this piano before going upstairs to rest. Graceland continues to play the song in this sacred room today, as it was the last song the King of Rock and Roll would sing. #ElvisWeek pic.twitter.com/1eEg9JYxbA
— RCA Studio B (@RCAStudioB) August 17, 2018
The photo above is from the film, This Is Elvis, which contains one of the only known glimpses into the home’s ‘upper level’. (Pictured is the racquetball court.)
4. The #2 Tourist Destination
Apart from the home of our country’s leader, The White House, Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion is the most popular residential home visited by tourists in the United States.
The grand estate sees more than 700,000 visitors each year and just recently welcomed its 20 millionth visitor!
5. The Meditation Garden & Cemetery
Both Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys Presley, were interred at Forest Hill Cemetery until a group of men tried to steal Elvis’ coffin from the site.
The Meditation Garden was originally built by The King in the mid-60s as a place for contemplation, but became the new resting place for the Presleys as they were reinterred on the Graceland property in October 1977.
What an incredible history this place has! Watch the video below for a brief tour of The King’s estate!
