Vernon Presley, Elvis’ father, with help from Jessie, Vernon’s father, and Vester, Vernon’s brother, built this home in 1934 with $180 that Vernon borrowed from his employer.

It was in this humble, two-room house lit by a single light bulb in each room that Elvis Aaron Presley was born at 4:30 a.m. on January 8, 1935. Elvis was one of two children born to Vernon and Gladys. Elvis’ twin, Jessie Garon, was stillborn.

The City of Tupelo bought the Birthplace house and 15 acres of surrounding property in 1957. Elvis wanted a park for the neighborhood children, to whom he referred as “his people” and donated all of his ticket proceeds from his 1957 benefit concert at the Tupelo Fairgrounds to further the cause.

The Birthplace house stands in its original location and has been restored to its original condition, decorated with period furniture, and is open to the public to tour.