Alabama Civil Rights Legacy

Few states have a history that is as rich as Alabama. It’s the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, and many of its most important moments took place in the state. From the Freedom Riders journeying into the South to Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus, the Alabama Civil Rights Movement changed the country forever. Explore history at interactive history museums and exhibits from one region of the state to another. Be inspired by unique opportunities to learn about the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on America. Reflect on the challenges we have triumphed over as a nation and the ones we have yet to overcome. If you’re interested in learning about the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama is the place to visit!

48 Hours in Birmingham

August 2023

BY AMITY MOORE JOYCE

This year, in conjunction with other Birmingham civil rights champions, the city will recognize the 60th anniversary of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement.

Friday

AFTERNOON

To stay near the heart of where Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement unfolded, consider two accommodations. The Redmont Hotel, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, is the oldest-running hotel in the city. It first opened in 1925; now, it combines the verve of the 1920s with today’s desire for swank comfort. Enjoy “happy hour” at the rooftop bar, where you can see the city skyline and get an overview of the neighborhood—you’re only five blocks from the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. Another option, and a 15-minute walk from the national monument, is the Elyton Hotel. It is a AAA Four Diamond property housed in the former Empire Building. For an easy, unique after-dinner excursion, visit Sloss Furnaces, already a great daytime attraction, to experience “Light Up Sloss.” This energy-efficient display literally spotlights and backlights in bright colors Sloss’ historic furnaces, smokestacks and iconic water tower.

EVENING 

For dinner, check out Chef Adam Evans’ amazing dishes at

Read More

Hit the Road To Explore Gee’s Bend

In the Southwest rural corner of the state of Alabama, there is a small parcel of land called Gee’s Bend. Gee’s Bend is...
Read More

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...
Read More

Experience Alabama's Civil Rights Trail.

In two 25-minute episodes of Travels With Darley , Darley Newman takes viewers to some of the most historic sites along...
Read More

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

The Alabama Civil Rights Trail podcast adds a new dimension to how this history is told.

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

View All Events

The Legacy Lives Here

Explore these attractions and more when you visit our civil rights destinations.

People looking at statues at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Find Out More
Toy airplane at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Find Out More
Inside view of Rosa Parks Museum and Childrens Wing

Rosa Parks Museum and Childrens Wing

Find Out More
Fallen memorial at Civil Rights Memorial Center

Civil Rights Memorial Center

Find Out More
Outside view of Freedom Rides Museum/ Historic Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station

Freedom Rides Museum/ Historic Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station

Find Out More
Street view of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

Find Out More
View All

Find an Alabama Civil Rights Experience

Explore civil rights locations you should visit the next time you're here.
Historic Site
1510 5th Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Formerly the A.G. Gaston Motel, facility provided Birmingham's only first-class lodging for African-Americans and served as gathering place for civil rights leaders in the 1960s.
Museum
137 County Road 183
Eutaw, AL 35462
Shotgun houses depicting African-American life from the 1930s-1960s. Named for Civil Rights pioneers, including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy.
Historic Site
627 West Battle Street
Talladega, AL 35160
The Amistad Murals consists of three panels depicting the Amistad Incident in which Joseph Cinque led a revolt on the Amistad that liberated a shipload of captive Africans. They are housed in the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art on the campus of Talladega College.
Historic Site
Kelly Ingram Park, Corner of 6th Ave. N. and 16th Street
Birmingham, AL 35203
Self-guided tour.
Museum
520 16th St. N
Birmingham, AL 35203