Famed as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo lies north-east of Mississippi, en route between Birmingham and Memphis. It was originally settled as “Gum Pond” along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and much of the city was destroyed during one of the United States’ deadliest tornadoes in 1936.
Things to do in Tupelo
East of Tupelo is the childhood home of Elvis Presley, which has been transformed into a museum about his formative years. Listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail, the site includes his two-room house (complete with 1930s-era furnishings) as well as the church where his family worshipped. The adjacent park features a statue of Elvis at the age of 13 wearing oversized overalls and holding his guitar.
A short drive north-west of Tupelo is the Buffalo Park & Zoo, which is the largest zoo in Mississippi. In addition to African lions, black bears and camels, the park is home to a large herd of American bison that can be observed on guided school bus safaris. Young kids will love the pony merry-go-round and the petting zoo, as well as the teepee playground.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the Tupelo National Battlefield, which commemorates the 1864 Battle of Tupelo during the American Civil War. It is dominated by a granite monument honouring the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought at the site. Learn about the Union soldiers’ success in keeping the Confederates from the Tennessee railroads and ensuring the safety of William T. Sherman’s supply lines.
Getting around Tupelo
Tupelo is just under two hours’ drive from Memphis and 1.5 hours from Memphis International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Long-distance buses connect to Tupelo while local bus services travel throughout the city and connect most of its attractions.