Where is the Gun Elvis Gave Nixon?
One of the most iconic gifts in American history is the gun Elvis Presley gave to President Richard Nixon in 1970. The gift, a gold-plated Colt.45 caliber pistol, has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue for decades, with many wondering where it is today. In this article, we will delve into the story behind the gift, its significance, and the various claims and theories surrounding its current whereabouts.
The Gift: A Symbol of Respect
The gun was given to Nixon by Elvis Presley during a meeting at the White House on December 21, 1970. Elvis, a lifelong fan of the President, had written to Nixon in August 1970 expressing his admiration for his stance on drug abuse and asking for a meeting. Nixon, pleased with the enthusiasm, agreed to meet with Elvis at the White House.
During the meeting, Elvis presented Nixon with the gold-plated Colt.45, which he had specifically requested from a firearms dealer in Memphis. Elvis had reportedly told the dealer that he wanted a gun that would "make Nixon’s day" and "show the world that I’m a good guy." The gift was a symbol of respect and admiration for the President’s efforts to combat drug abuse.
The Mystery: Where is the Gun Today?
The gun has been missing for decades, and its current whereabouts are still unknown. There are several theories and claims about what happened to the gun, but none have been officially confirmed. Here are some of the most popular theories:
- The President’s Secret Service: Some believe that the Secret Service took the gun and that it is now part of the agency’s collection of artifacts. However, the Secret Service has denied any knowledge of the gun’s whereabouts.
- Nixon’s Estate: Others claim that the gun was taken by Nixon’s estate after his death in 1994 and is now stored in a private collection. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
- Elvis’s Estate: Another theory is that the gun was taken by Elvis’s estate and is now part of the Elvis Presley Museum in Memphis. However, the museum has denied having the gun in its collection.
- The FBI: Some believe that the gun was taken by the FBI and is now stored in a secret location. However, the FBI has denied any knowledge of the gun’s whereabouts.
The Legacy of the Gift
Regardless of where the gun is today, the gift remains an important part of American history and culture. The meeting between Elvis and Nixon, known as the "Jailhouse Rock Summit," has been immortalized in popular culture, with films, books, and even a song dedicated to the event.
Table: Key Dates and Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 1970 | Elvis writes to Nixon asking for a meeting |
| December 21, 1970 | Elvis meets with Nixon at the White House |
| 1994 | Nixon dies |
| 2000s | Various claims and theories emerge about the gun’s whereabouts |
Conclusion
The gun Elvis gave to Nixon is a symbol of the special bond between two American icons. While its current whereabouts are still unknown, the gift remains an important part of American history and culture. Whether it is stored in a private collection, a museum, or a secret location, the gun will always be a reminder of the power of respect and admiration between two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
Bullets List: Fun Facts and Trivia
• Elvis and Nixon had a mutual admiration for each other, with Elvis often incorporating Nixon’s face into his art and music.
• The meeting between Elvis and Nixon was the first and only meeting between the two men.
• The gold-plated Colt.45 was a custom-made gift, with Elvis reportedly telling the dealer that he wanted a gun that would "make Nixon’s day."
• The gift was presented to Nixon in a black leather case with a gold-embossed Elvis Presley logo.
• The gun is said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars, making it one of the most valuable gifts ever given to a President.
In conclusion, the gun Elvis gave to Nixon is a fascinating piece of American history, and its mystery and intrigue continue to captivate people to this day. While its current whereabouts are still unknown, the gift will always be remembered as a symbol of respect and admiration between two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
