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It's Official - Graceland Is A National Historic Landmark

March 27, 2006 | Other
Following is a press release issued today by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.:

Secretary Norton Designates Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion National Historic Landmark

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—Interior Secretary Gale Norton joined Priscilla Presley today in announcing the designation of Graceland, home of the king of rock ‘n’ roll Elvis Presley, as a National Historic Landmark. Norton made the announcement during a special ceremony on the grounds of Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.

“It didn’t take Americans and the rest of the world long to discover Elvis Presley,” Norton said, “and it is abundantly clear that they will never forget him. His popularity continues to thrive nearly 29 years after his passing, with each new generation connecting with him in a significant way.”

Elvis Presley, known throughout the world by his first name, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of 20th century music and popular culture, and his status as a cultural icon appears ever stronger as time goes by. His extraordinary talents produced achievements that remain unparalleled in American and world history. The international superstar was an accomplished and influential artist in several genres of music – rock, pop, country, R&B and gospel – and he triumphed on television, the concert stage and the silver screen. Elvis has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame – the only artist with the distinction of being honored by all three. It is estimated that Elvis Presley has sold more than one billion records worldwide.

“In recognition of Elvis Presley’s achievements and contributions to American culture and musical history, today we designate his home Graceland as a National Historic Landmark,” Norton said. “This is our nation’s highest recognition for historic properties.”

Graceland was Presley’s primary residence for 20 years of his 23-year career and is the one site most associated with him. Elvis Presley’s Graceland is one of the five most visited home museums in the United States and the most recognizable residence in the nation after The White House. Since its opening to the public in 1982, millions of fans from around the globe have toured Graceland and its ancillary attractions.

“American culture and music changed irreversibly because of Elvis,” said Norton. “It would be difficult to tell the story of the 20th century without discussing the many contributions made by this legendary, iconic artist.”

The National Historic Landmark designation is the highest such recognition accorded by our nation to historic properties. These special places are the actual sites where significant historical events occurred, or where prominent Americans worked or lived, and represent the ideas that shaped our nation. Fewer than 2,500 historic places carry the title of National Historic Landmark.

“Elvis loved Graceland and was so proud of it,” stated his former wife, Priscilla Presley. “This home was his private corner of the world that he shared with his family and his closest friends. To him, having Graceland also was a tangible symbol of how far he had come from his very humble beginnings. Elvis would be honored and moved to know his beloved home is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. On his behalf I am truly grateful to Secretary Norton and the Department of the Interior and all who contributed to making this recognition occur. ”

“Graceland is my childhood home and it holds so many great memories of the time I shared there with my father, our family and our friends,” said Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley and sole owner of Graceland Mansion. “Graceland has come to mean so much to Elvis fans around the world, millions of whom have visited and millions more who look forward to doing so. It is my honor to have shared it with my father’s adoring public all these years and I am committed to ensuring that it will be preserved forever for all future generations of fans and of my family to enjoy. This landmark designation comes purely due to the fact that the legendary Elvis Presley called Graceland home. It’s a significant statement about how much my father has meant to the world and it only makes me prouder of him.”

(end of release)

Added note.

This article should be updated within 24 hours of the designation event at Graceland with a streaming video of the entire ceremony.
Source:EPE - Elvis Presley Enterprises
elvis_fan wrote on March 27, 2006
ITS ABOUT TIME!!!!! I am so happy for this!!
bray1977 wrote on March 27, 2006
Great news. I hope this means it will always be there and can never be knocked down or redeveloped. Well done to all who made it happen. Especially Elvis of course.
Crawfish wrote on March 27, 2006
Fantastic; Elvis would have been so proud!! We will ensure each generation learns and loves Elvis and all that he stood for. Well done everyone involved in this, it really really means a lot to us too!
following the dream wrote on March 27, 2006
Fantastic!!! I was in Graceland last week and so missed this great day by just a little. It is beautiful there and I am glad that many more will be able to enjoy it as I did.
Yvonne wrote on March 27, 2006
The rest of the USA finally knows what we knew long ago..Graceland is a very special place and must be preserverd for future generations!! This news really made my day!
Lefty wrote on March 28, 2006
Incredible! Congratulations to Elvis!! Thank you Lisa Marie and Priscilla for opening Graceland for all of us to share. It is a wonderful and magical place. As Paul Simon aptly quipped, "I have reason to believe we all will be received in Graceland."
MauriceColgan wrote on March 28, 2006
"Memphis Mansion." There is a fine mansion in Memphis, Once home of Elvis the King, It stands on a hill by the highway, Where his fans now gather to sing. The grounds are all green in the Summer, With oak trees casting shade on the lawn, Beneath them the air is cooler Behind them, the house stands forlorn. People wander and weave in the garden, Where Elvis played host to his friends, When the days were rich with laughter, And the songs just had no end. A Cadillac stands on the driveway, By the stone lions, that sit by the door, But today it's no longer needed, For Elvis, travels no more. Elvis, we are told was ecstatic at the news part of Highway 51 South was to become Elvis Presley Boulevard. Just imagine how he would have greeted the latest news about Graceland. The great news has spread world-wide. Even here in Irelandtoo.
RezRoses wrote on March 29, 2006
"Following is a press release issued today by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Graceland / Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc... Interior Secretary Gale Norton designates Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee a National Historic Landmark." “In recognition of Elvis Presley’s achievements and contributions to American culture and musical history, today we designate his home Graceland as a National Historic Landmark,” Norton said. “This is our Nation’s highest recognition for historic properties.” “American culture and music changed irreversibly because of Elvis,” said Norton. “It would be difficult to tell the story of the 20th century without discussing the many contributions made by this legendary, iconic artist.” Yes! Aren't these words just music to our ears? This is so awesome! Thank you! Thanks to Priscilla and Lisa Marie, and all of those responsible for this incredible honor! I'm waiting for the streaming video of the entire ceremony / event...
Nilson Rego wrote on March 29, 2006
I’m happy as I think Elvis would be. And I think it will also mean a lot for the next generations of fans. When Highway 51 became Elvis Presley Boulevard, it pleased him so much and was also an enormous comfort for that painful time of his personal life. Many certainly disagree, mainly no fans. Nobody cares. Only Elvis will remain eternally. At Graceland!
buyep01 wrote on April 02, 2006
I am very happy to hear this, its way over due as so many other honors are are that should be given to him. I think this sends a message to the country and the world he was the greatest entertainer that ever lived and this is one more thing to support that statement. Congratulations Elvis!