The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a must-see stop on any tour of Tupelo .
The Civil War Trail contains stops all marked with historic markers showcasing the history that took place at the sites . These include the Younger Cabin , The Battle of King ’ s Creek and Tupelo Baptist Church , just to name a few .
The Civil Rights Trail highlights a turbulent time in Mississippi history . Including stops such as the Dixie Bell Theater and E . W . Woolworth , the stories from this area come to life to highlight the work of leaders in both the white and Black communities .
The Chickasaw occupied the area that is now Tupelo until the Indian Removal Act moved the tribe west in 1837 . The Chickasaw Trail tells the fascinating story of this tribe and includes six stops . At the Chickasaw Village on the Natchez Trace , a nature trail extends for a few miles through the Blackland Prairie and gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the Chickasaw .
Fair Park , located a couple of blocks from downtown , was home to the first fair in the area in 1909 . Originally called the Lee County Fair , it later became the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show . In August 1955 , Elvis performed at the fair with it being named the homecoming performance . Today , Fair Park is an expansive green space where concerts are held , and food trucks make weekly Friday stops and locals eat their lunch there . With statues of Elvis and Piomingo , a Chickasaw chief , diplomat and friend of George Washington , it is also an important stop for adults and children to learn about two of the most influential figures in the area .
The Natchez Trace also winds through Tupelo , offering some of the most beautiful views of anywhere in Mississippi . At the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center at mile marker 266 , visitors can indulge in more history about the Trace and the Chickasaws , while exploring exhibits of relics and artifacts . Take time to drive the Trace and experience some aspects of life from years past .
A visit to Tupelo is a great day trip to experience a whole lot about a young Elvis Presley before the world knew him and much more of Mississippi ’ s history – guaranteed a trek worth taking .
Brandi Perry and Dori Lowe , both Mississippi residents , are the authors of the new book , “ 100 Things To Do In Mississippi Before You Die ” ( Reedy Press ) and co-owners of the blog , Backroads and Burgers . M
www . meridianstar . com
This Elvis statue in Fair Park is also worthy of a visit .
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