Civil Rights Legacy
The heart of the Civil Rights Movement during the mid-20th century was founded here. Go behind the scenes of the lives of those that started a movement. From Rosa Parks’ refusal to take the back seat to the courageous Freedom Riders, Alabama is home to some of the most pivotal moments in history. Here, you can encounter an era of triumph and tragedy. You can celebrate moments that not only redefined our state but also our nation and world forever. There are many interactive exhibits and museums dedicated to the Movement allowing you to reflect on the past and look to a future where all are indeed equal.
Civil Rights: Tracing Selma to Montgomery
After winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and in 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began focusing his attention on Black voter registration in Selma, Alabama. In March of that year, the protesters began their 54-mile march from Selma to Alabama’s state capitol in Montgomery. Led by Civil Rights Activist, John Lewis, the protesters were met with violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the event is now known as Bloody Sunday.
The Selma to Montgomery march is forever a piece of history that will be considered one of the key turning points in the Civil Rights Movement. It would lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail, Hayneville:
The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail was established by Congress in 1996 to commemorate the events, people, and route of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Alabama. The march route is a component of the National Trail System and is administered by the National Park Service. The route is also designated as a National Scenic Byway/All-American Road. The 54-mile trail follows the historic march beginning at the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma and crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge. As they crossed the bridge, the nonviolent marchers were stopped and beaten by law enforcement...
Experience Alabama's Civil Rights Trail.
Visit Alabama’s African American Historic Sites.
MLK Day is a day for quiet reflection.
Featured Locations & Events
Whether it's walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge or touring 16th Street Baptist Church, Alabama has some of the most enriching civil rights experiences waiting for you.
The Legacy Lives! Hear it
Hear Stories of the Movement and Their Morals for Today
The Alabama Civil Rights Trail Podcast features real stories of real people who were there. They were the foot soldiers who held the front lines of the Movement. They were the freedom riders and protestors. They sat when people ordered them to leave. By telling their stories, they’ll be remembered and shared. And with the help of historians and other experts, we can learn why the events and actions from decades ago remain so relevant today.
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
Alabama Civil Rights Trail Podcast
Upcoming Events
Before planning your trip, be sure to check out upcoming events!
The Legacy Lives Here
Explore these attractions and more when you visit our civil rights destinations.