History of Graceland in Timeline
Graceland, the former 13.8-acre estate of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee, serves as both a museum and the final resting place for the iconic singer. Alongside Elvis, his parents, paternal grandmother, grandson, and daughter are also buried at Graceland.
1912: Gladys Presley's Birth
Gladys Presley, Elvis's mother, was born in 1912. She played a significant role in Elvis's life and her presence is still felt at Graceland, where she is buried.
1916: Vernon Presley's Birth
Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, was born in 1916. He played an important role in Elvis's upbringing and career, and was instrumental in managing Elvis's early success.
January 8, 1935: Elvis Presley's Birth
On January 8, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born. This date marks the beginning of a life that would significantly impact music and popular culture.
1939: Construction of the Graceland Mansion
In 1939, Ruth Moore and her husband, Thomas Moore, commissioned the construction of the iconic 10,266-square-foot Colonial Revival style mansion, designed by architects Furbringer and Ehrman, that would later become known as Graceland.
1956: Elvis Purchases His First Memphis Home
As Elvis's musical career began to flourish in 1956, he purchased a home for himself and his family at 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis for $40,000.
March 19, 1957: Elvis Purchases Graceland
Seeking a more private residence to accommodate his growing fame, Elvis purchased Graceland on March 19, 1957, for $102,500.
1958: Gladys Presley's Death
Gladys Presley died in 1958, a significant loss for Elvis. Her passing had a profound impact on his life and career. She is buried at Graceland, her final resting place.
1958: Gladys Presley's Passing
In 1958, Elvis's mother, Gladys Presley, passed away at the age of 46.
1960: Elvis Purchases Billiards Table
In 1960, Elvis, an avid billiards player, bought a pool table, marking the beginning of his passion for the game at Graceland.
1960: Vernon Presley's Remarriage
Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, remarried Dee Stanley in 1960, and the couple resided at Graceland for a period, though their time was marked by some discord with Elvis.
1961: Elvis Decorates the Jungle Room with Hawaiian Memorabilia
Inspired by his role in the film "Blue Hawaii" (1961), Elvis incorporated Hawaiian memorabilia into the decor of the Jungle Room at Graceland, aiming to recreate a tropical ambiance.
May 1, 1967: Elvis and Priscilla Presley's Marriage
Elvis and Priscilla Presley exchanged vows in a Las Vegas ceremony on May 1, 1967.
February 1, 1968: Lisa Marie Presley's Birth
Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis and Priscilla's daughter, was born on February 1, 1968, and spent her early years at Graceland.
1972: Elvis and Priscilla Presley's Divorce
Following Elvis and Priscilla's divorce in 1972, Priscilla relocated to California with Lisa Marie. Despite the separation, Lisa Marie continued to visit Graceland, maintaining a connection to the estate.
1974: Basement Remodel and Billiard Room Decor
Elvis remodeled the basement of Graceland in 1974, transforming two rooms into a TV room and a billiard room. The billiard room's walls and ceiling were adorned with pleated cotton fabric, reflecting his distinctive style.
1976: Jungle Room Transformed into a Recording Studio
In 1976, the Jungle Room at Graceland was converted into a recording studio. This became the space where Elvis recorded a significant portion of his final two albums, "From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee" (1976) and "Moody Blue" (1977), marking his last known recordings in a studio setting.
August 16, 1977: Vernon Presley Inherits Graceland
Following Elvis's passing on August 16, 1977, his father, Vernon, inherited Graceland.
August 18, 1977: Elvis Presley's Funeral at Graceland
On August 18, 1977, a private funeral for Elvis Presley, who tragically passed away at age 42, was held at Graceland with 200 mourners in attendance.
1977: Elvis Records His Final Albums in the Jungle Room
Elvis Presley recorded a significant portion of his final two albums, "From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee" (1976) and "Moody Blue" (1977), in the Jungle Room studio at Graceland. These albums represent his last known studio recordings.
1977: Elvis Presley's Death and Estate Challenges
Following Elvis Presley's death in 1977, the upkeep of Graceland posed a significant financial challenge. The property's expenses were substantial, and Lisa Marie's inheritance was considerably diminished.
1977: Elvis Presley's Death
Elvis Presley died in 1977, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. He was laid to rest at Graceland, which became a place of pilgrimage for his fans.
1979: Vernon Presley's Death and Estate Management
Upon Vernon Presley's death in 1979, he designated Priscilla Presley as the executor of Elvis's estate. This decision placed Priscilla in a critical role, responsible for managing the estate for Elvis's young daughter, Lisa Marie.
1979: Vernon Presley's Death
Vernon Presley passed away in 1979, after serving as the executor of Elvis's estate. He entrusted Priscilla with the responsibility of managing the estate for Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie.
1980: Minnie Mae Hood's Death
Minnie Mae Hood, Elvis's grandmother, died in 1980 and was laid to rest in Graceland's Meditation Garden. Her presence at Graceland underscores the importance of family in Elvis's life.
1981: Albert Goldman Publishes Critical Book on Elvis
Albert Goldman, a known critic of Elvis Presley, published a book in 1981 where he heavily criticized the design and aesthetics of Graceland, comparing it to a brothel and calling it "garish" and "phony".
June 7, 1982: Graceland Opens to the Public
On June 7, 1982, Graceland was opened to the public as a house museum, attracting more than 650,000 visitors annually.
November 7, 1991: National Register of Historic Places
On November 7, 1991, Graceland earned a place in the National Register of Historic Places, marking the first site recognized for its rock music significance.
1993: Delta Presley's Passing
Elvis's aunt Delta, who resided at Graceland at his invitation, passed away in 1993. The kitchen, which she used until her passing, was opened to the public two years later.
1993: Lisa Marie Presley Inherits Graceland
In 1993, upon reaching the age of 25, Lisa Marie Presley inherited the Graceland estate.
October 10, 2001: Visit by Nobel Prize Winners
On October 10, 2001, Graceland was visited by two Nobel Prize winners, Bob Dylan, a Literature Prize laureate, and Oscar Arias, the former President of Costa Rica and a Peace Prize honoree.
March 27, 2006: Graceland Becomes National Historic Landmark
Further solidifying its historical importance, Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006, again pioneering recognition for a site of its kind.
May 2016: 20 Millionth Visitor
In May 2016, Graceland marked a significant milestone by welcoming its 20 millionth visitor, a newlywed couple.
2019: Graceland's Expansion and Potential Relocation
In 2019, the owners of Graceland threatened to relocate from Memphis if the city did not provide tax incentives, leading the Memphis City Council to approve a deal to support a $100 million expansion of the estate.
2020: Benjamin Keough's Death and Burial
Benjamin Keough, Lisa Marie Presley's son, tragically died by suicide in July 2020. He was laid to rest in Graceland's Meditation Garden towards the end of the year, joining other members of the Presley family.
June 2022: Visit by Austin Butler and Tom Hanks
In June 2022, actors Austin Butler and Tom Hanks visited Graceland and were interviewed virtually by the Good Morning America news program from the Jungle Room to discuss their biographical film Elvis.
January 12, 2023: Lisa Marie Presley's Passing and Graceland's Future
Upon Lisa Marie Presley's death on January 12, 2023, her eldest daughter, Riley Keough, assumed ownership and became the sole trustee of Graceland, inheriting the property that is now facing potential foreclosure.
January 2023: Lisa Marie Presley's Death and Burial
Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's daughter, passed away in January 2023 from sudden cardiac arrest. She was laid to rest beside her son in Graceland's Meditation Garden, joining other members of the Presley family.
May 2024: Graceland Faces Foreclosure
As of May 2024, Graceland is scheduled for a foreclosure sale due to allegations that Lisa Marie Presley used the property as collateral for a $3.8 million loan. Riley Keough, contesting the foreclosure documents' validity, has filed a lawsuit to halt the sale, with Elvis Presley Enterprises supporting her claims.