HORN LAKE, MS - Elvis fans from all the world travel to Memphis to see Graceland, but a few of the king's international fans are turning their attention to one of Elvis Presley's lesser known homes: Horn Lake's Circle G Ranch.
The ranch is a somewhat obscure part of Presley's history from the 1970s. It's for sale, but no one wants to buy it, so Elvis fans have launched an international campaign to save the Circle G.
"They're big on it. They want to preserve it, and they're serious," said realtor Rodger Motz.
"The campaign has support from all over the world. It's a global campaign," said Thomas Machnitzki, a writer for Germany's Graceland magazine.
There are more than 3,000 supporters united on Facebook through a group called Friends of Elvis - Save the Circle G. Leaders have traveled to Memphis to spread their message. They want to see the Circle G restored and turned into a park, a place for all Elvis fans to enjoy.
"I think any part of Elvis should be preserved," said Elaine Blennin, a fan from Wales. "It's important to preserve every aspect of his life."
The biggest thing standing in their way? Finding a buyer. The 150 acre ranch sits empty at the corner of Goodman Road and Highway 301. It's listed at almost five million dollars.
"Maybe the community of Horn Lake or DeSoto County might purchase that property," Machnitzki told abc24.com.
He's written an article on the Circle G about the support. Machnitzki thinks it makes good economic sense for the area.
"Elvis fans who come to Memphis would go there and spend money. It would mean a long term tax income for that community," said Machnitzki.
Machnitzki told abc24.com similar draws in Tupelo, Elvis' birthplace, bring in about $2 million dollars a year. But so far plans to develop the land have failed. In the past decade, two different groups have tried to build resorts on the property. Both times the buyers haven't come up with the money.
Motz has lowered the price in the last year from $6.5 million to $4.9 million. Even so, no takers. Motz blames the economy for the slowdown.
Meanwhile, Elvis fans remain hopeful for the future.
"It's a wonderful, wonderful opportunity," Blennin told abc24.com. "I hope I can bring my grandson back one day and show him."
The ranch is also famous because it's where Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon.
