Why is Elvis mansion called Graceland?
Several searches on “Graceland” finally led us to a fascinating American Art piece by Karal Ann Marling, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, or the Aesthetic of Rock’n’Roll Heaven. If you’re even mildly interested in interior design, rock stardom, retro aesthetics, idol worship, Gone with the Wind, myth marketing, or The King, we highly recommend reading this article. It’s outstanding. In answer to your question, the Graceland estate was named after Grace Toof, a wealthy lady whose family owned the property for almost one hundred years. Grace’s niece, Ruth, inherited the land in 1940 and promptly built herself a grand colonial mansion, replete with Greek columns and antique heirlooms. Gone with the Wind had come out the year before. In 1957, Elvis was in Hollywood shooting a movie while his parents, Vernon and Gladys, and his uncle Vester were scouting out potential
Related Questions
- Will the Graceland Plaza visitor center - including the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and the Elvis airplanes exhibit - and the Graceland Crossing shopping center go away?
- Why does the Graceland Mansion tour not include the upstairs area (Elvis bedroom, bath, office and wardrobe room, Lisa Maries nursery, etc.)?
- Why is Elvis mansion called Graceland?