Exterior of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.

Alabama Civil Rights Legacy

Alabama, the cradle of the civil rights movement, offers a deeply moving and educational journey through its pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. The state, rich with historical landmarks, is an essential destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the stories and struggles that fueled the fight for equality. With the innovative Civil Rights app, visitors can explore Alabama's civil rights landmarks, from the Rosa Parks Museum to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, or walk the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Experience the profound lessons of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance that continue to inspire us today. Alabama's civil rights history is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dared to challenge the status quo, making it a must-visit for all who seek to understand the depth and complexity of America's journey toward justice.

Discover the Rich Heritage of the Alabama Civil Rights Legacy

Experience the pivotal moments, from the Selma to Montgomery marches to the courageous expeditions of the Freedom Riders.


Struggles and Triumphs: Alabama’s Role i...

Alabama has a rich and complex history within the Civil Rights Movement and has served as the focal point for pivotal events that shaped the fight for equal rights that shaped our nation.

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48 Hours in Birmingham

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

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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 surrounded by the Alabama River and it is only accessible by ferry.

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Civil Rights: Tracing Selma to Montgomer...

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.

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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 Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail where she interviews those who participated in the movement as well as those who are making an impact in shaping the Alabama of today.

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Visit Alabama’s African American Histori...

Alabama played a critical role in shaping civil rights history. Key events that forged the state’s significance in how the movement advanced forward are forever ingrained in our lives, as a people and as a state.

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MLK Day is a day for quiet reflection.

Next Monday, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. The state of Alabama played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement.

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New Civil Rights Trail Book: History of ...

Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department, launches new book about the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

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Podcast Tells History of the Civil Right...

The Alabama Tourism Department's new Civil Rights Trail podcast takes you behind the scenes of the Civil Rights Movement. The three-part series will introduce listeners to the people, places and events that played a role in the movement and which ultimately shaped a nation.

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Tour the Alabama Civil Rights Trail

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail features locations from 14 states that continue to play an important role in the fight for civil rights. Alabama is home to 30 stops along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and each one tells the stories and retraces the steps of civil rights trailblazers...

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Featured Locations & Events

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

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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

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Toy airplane at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

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Inside view of Rosa Parks Museum and Childrens Wing

Rosa Parks Museum and Childrens Wing

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Fallen memorial at Civil Rights Memorial Center

Civil Rights Memorial Center

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

Freedom Rides Museum/ Historic Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station

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Street view of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church

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Find an Alabama Civil Rights Experience

Explore civil rights locations you should visit the next time you're here.
Historic Site
2800 Poplar Avenue Northwest
Huntsville, AL 35816
In 1866, Congress passed legislation establishing two cavalries composed of African-Americans. After...

Historic Site
100 North Beaty Street
Athens, AL 35611
Sharing the contributions of Limestone County's African-American citizens and organizations. Visit ...

Shotgun houses depicting African-American life from the 1930s-1960s. Named for Civil Rights pioneers...

Historic Site
915 South Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Alabama State University is located in historic Montgomery, Ala., on a beautiful 172-acre campus fea...

Historic Site
1031 Gurnee Avenue & Old Birmingham Hwy./AL Route 202
Anniston, AL 36201