Here’s a little more about the ranch and about us…….
The Ranch - A place of importance. The ranch is where Elvis could escape from being ‘Elvis Presley’ for a short while. It is where he spent time with friends and family enjoying his love of horses and the outdoors in fact the place was so special to him that he spent a portion of his honeymoon there. It is a significant piece of his story, a place that was important to him at a time in his life that was full of change – a newly married man, expectant father and an entertainer at a vital crossroads in his career.
This picture is taken as you walk towards the lake and the cross
It’s not hard to see why Elvis loved the ranch so much.
Our Aims and Objectives. Our Vision For The Ranch is to see it open as an attraction for Elvis fans and non-fans alike and also provide leisure facilities for the local community in Horn Lake Mississippi. Our aims and objectives are to sympathetically and tastefully restore the site to how it was when Elvis knew and loved it; enabling visitors to enjoy the tranquility of the site, just as Elvis did, by providing walking trails, horse riding (hopefully creating a safe haven for rescue horses) and other outdoor activities (all with easy access for the disabled). We envisage the inclusion of a small museum and shop, along with a longer-term plan to provide a small amount of accommodation (perhaps in the form of log cabins around the lake) for short-term vacation lets.
Opportunities. One of our main objectives is to see the site made available to the disabled and to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the countryside and all it can offer in a safe and stimulating environment. The ranch would also be a perfect place to offer relaxation and therapy to service veterans.
We have always believed that the development of the ranch is an ideal way to celebrate the heritage and culture of Horn Lake and all its residents – both past and present.
Fundraising…..what for?
As a non profit organisation, The Circle G Foundation is able to fundraise safely and securely – we follow the guidelines set down by the relevant regulatory bodies.
Fundraising is something we wrestled with for quite some time. Initially we were very unsure of taking this step but now I believe that if we accumulate sufficient donations that could eventually be utilised to help fund repairs and restoration to the ranch (and perhaps support a small museum on site) – this could only reinforce our commitment to the cause and would potentially work in our favour once a buyer/investor is secured.
Of course this all depends on the potential new owner(s) but we here at the Foundation will do our utmost to make it clear how beneficial it would be to have fan involvement in the project from the beginning and hopefully on an on-going basis.
What if……
We have to pose the question ‘what if it’s not possible (for whatever reason) to spend the money collected on the ranch?’ Hopefully this is a situation that will never arise. All contributors are assured right from the beginning that if this is not possible then the funds would be donated to an Elvis related charity in Elvis’ name. A suitable and wholly appropriate solution I hope you’ll agree.
Recognition and Potential. Considerable numbers of Elvis fans already visit the site in its run down condition and are thrilled just to catch a glimpse of the ranch house, lake, bridge and cross.
Above – picture of the rear of the ranch house
Below – A view of the bridge and cross.
When the ranch is restored we can guarantee increased visitor numbers. The Mississippi Tourist Organization already recognize the site in their literature and web-site and see its potential if developed in the right way.
Encouragement. We have had an encouraging message from Mayor Nat Baker of Horn Lake and also have dialogue with the Horn Lake Chamber of Commerce, the DeSoto Museum and the Tupelo Chamber of Commerce.
Historic Significance Here at The Circle G Foundation we believe that the Circle G Ranch’s historic significance should be recognised. We are constantly working to achieve this goal through submissions and applications to The National Register of Historic Sites, The Mississippi Heritage Trusts ‘Most Endangered’ lists and by raising the ranch’s profile with other established and well respected preservation organisations. You can play your part by signing the on-line petition The MS State Senate: Include Elvis’ Circle G Ranch on the National Register of Historic Sites or Contact us and we’ll be happy to send you Petition Sheets for your Elvis events – you can help make this happen!
Support from all over the world. We are doing our utmost to find an individual or group of people who realize the potential the site holds and have the means to secure the ranch and with the help and support of fans from all over the world will rescue, renovate and restore the ranch to how Elvis knew and loved it.
So that gives you an idea of who we are and what we are trying to achieve.
But non of this will happen unless YOU get involved.
Make a donation to the Foundation’s fighting fund.
Organise some fundraising activities, check out the fundraising items we have on sale – the next step along the road to saving the ranch starts right here but we need YOU to play YOUR part!
CHECK OUT THE OTHER PAGES FOR LOTS MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN HELP US IN OUR FIGHT TO SAVE THE CIRCLE G.
- Fundraising items for sale
- Donate
- Sign the petition to have the ranch’s place in history recognised.
- Get in touch with us via our Contact page if you want to write letters, hold fundraising events, use flyers to publicise the Foundation or need any more help or information
Thank you to the fans who have allowed us to use their pictures on this website.