Elvis' Graceland in Memphis: See historic photos from when the King lived there until now

Elvis Presley lived at Graceland  in Memphis for more than 20 years — from  its purchase in the spring of 1957  until  his death in the summer of 1977 .

During those years, Elvis also spent plenty of time away — in the Army in Germany, at various homes in and around Hollywood while  making movies in the 1960s , in Las Vegas where he performed residencies in the late '60s and early '70s, and in Palm Springs, where he also maintained a residence.

But  Memphis and Graceland  always remained home for Presley. 

ELVIS AT 90: Decade-by-decade milestones in the life — and afterlife — of the King

Graceland , which opened to the public on June 7, 1982 , was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Nov. 7, 1991 — it was the first rock 'n' roll-related site to be so honored. Graceland was also declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006. Again, it was the first rock 'n' roll-related site to be so honored.

Today, the mansion attracts about 600,000 visitors a year, from around the world. Many travelers arrive during Elvis Week , which commemorates the anniversary of Elvis' death, and participate in the Candlelight Vigil : a public procession from the street to Elvis' grave in the Meditation Garden , on the south side of the mansion.

Check out photos of Graceland — from when Elvis lived there until today — in the gallery below.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Elvis Presley's Graceland: Photos show Memphis estate's history