The Evolution of Elvis Presley's Beloved Graceland Estate
See inside The King's private residence.
By 
After becoming a national sensation in the '50s, Elvis Presley took his hard-earned money and purchased a sprawling estate for his family and friends in Memphis, Tennessee. It was called Graceland and the home soon became a symbol almost as synonymous as The King himself—and one that has survived long after the singer's death. But how exactly did Graceland come to be? Take a look back on the life Elvis built on the property, then find out how the tourist attraction operates today.
1957: Buying Graceland
Elvis Presley purchased Graceland in 1957 for $102,500. The singer, whose celebrity and success had skyrocketed the year prior, promptly moved into the mansion and made Memphis, Tennessee, his home base.
1957: A Historic Home
The extensive property was built in 1939 and was once owned by a prominent Memphis family, the Toofs. The name Graceland was an ode to Grace Toof Ward.
1957: A Not-So-Merry Christmas
While Elvis was celebrating Christmas at Graceland, the singer received his draft notice for the Korean War. Elvis earned one service deferment so he could finish filming the movie King Creole.
1958: Deployed Overseas
While Elvis was deployed in Germany, his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley lived at Graceland without him and his mother sadly died at the estate. The star was issued a temporary leave of service to attend the funeral in Memphis.
1960: Returning Home From War
While serving for two years, Elvis rose to the rank of sergeant. In 1960, he returned to Graceland, where he lived with his father, grandmother, and friends.
1960: A House Fit for The King
The house on the Graceland estate is a Colonial revival stone-laid mansion fitted with tall white columns. Inside the 17,552 square-foot-home is 23 rooms, including eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and five staircases.
1960: The King's Personal Touches
One of the more famous personal touches Elvis made to the estate was the music gates he installed at the front entrance. The King of Rock 'n' Roll added the eccentric entrance two months before he even moved onto the property.
1960: A Home for His Cars
From his pink Cadillac to his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk, Elvis was quite a car enthusiast and turned to his expansive Memphis property to house his collection. They remained in his private collection after his death, and many are available to view today at the Presley Motors Automobile Museum.
1967: The Newlyweds at Graceland
Elvis and his longtime girlfriend, Priscilla Beaulieu, got married in a Las Vegas ceremony in 1967. Afterward, the couple boarded a private jet and returned home to Graceland, where Priscilla had been living with the singer since 1962.
1968: Home of the Presleys
Elvis installed a stained glass window above the front door of the house to welcome visitors to their home, which featured the letter "P" surrounded by red roses.
1968: Bringing Lisa Marie Home
Nine months after their wedding day, Lisa Marie Presley was born. The couple, who endured a trial separation during the pregnancy, brought their daughter home to Graceland together in 1968.
1968: The Famous Swimming Pool
Another iconic element of Graceland is the swimming pool and wide surrounding patio. The wacky shape of the pool made headlines, as it very closely resembles a kidney bean.
1968: Filling the Barn
Elvis was a prolific rider throughout his life and loved horses. The estate had a large barn when he purchased it, but it wasn't until the late '60s that the singer began filling the stalls with various equines. Because the singer's favorite horse was a Palomino, to this day the estate always has a Palomino in the barn.
1969: Growing Up at Graceland
For the first four years of her life, Lisa Marie lived at Graceland. After her parents divorced, Priscilla and Lisa Marie moved to Los Angeles and the young child split her time between California and Tennessee until her father's death.
1970: Outside the Gates
While preparing for a motorcycle ride around the neighborhood, Elvis stops for an admiring fan who wanted to catch a glimpse of the singer.
1971: Elvis Presley Blvd.
The street Graceland is located on was renamed from Highway 51 South to Elvis Presley Boulevard in 1971 by the City Council of Memphis.
1977: Elvis Presley's Death
The singer lived on the property until his death on August 16, 1977, when he was found unconscious inside Graceland after suffering a heart attack. He was only 42 years old. After his passing, Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie, was named the sole beneficiary of the estate.
1977: Mourning Fans at Graceland
When the news of Elvis's death hit, thousands of grieving fans traveled to Graceland and swarmed his famous music note gates.
1977: Laid to Rest on the Estate
Elvis was buried in the Meditation Garden on the grounds of Graceland. His mother was moved to a plot next to him and, two years later, his father joined them when he passed away. In order to preserve the gravesite, Elvis's estate must employ 24 hour security.
1981: A First Glimpse Inside
Documentary crews were welcomed onto the Graceland estate to film This Is Elvis in 1981. It was the first time the public was given an intimate look at the property.
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