Memphis Belle monument.

Statue of Memphis Belle

Memphis Belle was a "Flying Fortress" B-17 bomber that became famous just for surviving 25 combat missions in World War II. It was named for pilot Robert Morgan's 19-year-old fiancee, Margaret Polk, a college student in Memphis, and a direct descendant of President James K. Polk.

Margaret broke off her engagement after learning that Morgan was a womanizer (he ended up marrying six wives). But she remained devoted to the airplane that bore her lucky name, and successfully campaigned to keep it on display in Memphis as long as she lived.

Memphis Belle Margaret Polk.

In October 2011 a monument to Margaret was finally unveiled in Memphis. Shown from the knees up, she looks to be about 13, her head titled skyward, her right hand shading her eyes from the sun, watching the skies for her beloved bomber to return. The bronze statue is by Andrea Lugar, who also made the bronze Elvis Presley on Beale Street.

Statue of Memphis Belle

Overton Park

Address:: Veterans Plaza Drive, Memphis, TN
Directions:: One of several monuments in Veterans Plaza in Overton Park. Park, then walk north into the Plaza. Memphis Belle will be on the right, just past the Korean War memorial.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Charging Doughboy, Memphis, TN - < 1 mi.
Coin-Operated Elvis Shrine, Memphis, TN - 2 mi.
Controversial Grave of Nathan Bedford Forrest, Memphis, TN - 2 mi.
Tom Lee, Deemed Worthy by Monument, Memphis, TN - 4 mi.

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April 10, 2013