Embark on a journey through a pivotal chapter in American history along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama. 🚗 This trail commemorates the Civil Rights Movement and the iconic marches of 1965 that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Experience the profound history, inspiring stories, and beautiful landscapes as you travel from Selma to Montgomery.

Stops along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

Selma, Alabama (Starting Point)

Begin your journey in Selma, where the historic marches began. Selma is rich in Civil Rights history and offers numerous sites to explore.

Sights

• Edmund Pettus Bridge: Walk across this historic bridge, the site of the brutal "Bloody Sunday" attack on marchers in 1965.
• National Voting Rights Museum and Institute: Learn about the struggle for voting rights through exhibits, photographs, and artifacts.
• Brown Chapel AME Church: Visit this significant church, which served as the starting point for the marches.
• Selma Interpretive Center: Get an overview of the trail and its history with informative exhibits and resources.

Lowndes County, Alabama

Travel through Lowndes County, known as "Bloody Lowndes," where the marchers faced significant challenges and resistance.

Sights

• Lowndes Interpretive Center: Explore exhibits focused on the courage and determination of the marchers and the local Civil Rights Movement.
• Tent City: Visit the site where evicted tenant farmers lived after being forced off their land for attempting to register to vote.
• Viola Liuzzo Memorial: Pay tribute to the civil rights activist who was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan after the march.
• Holy Ground Battlefield Park: Learn about the battle that took place here during the Creek War, adding another layer of historical significance to the area.

White Hall, Alabama

A small town with a big history, White Hall was an important site along the march route.

Sights

• Freedom Rides Museum: Located in the historic Greyhound bus station in nearby Montgomery, this museum tells the story of the Freedom Rides and their impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
• Robert Gardner Farm: Visit this historic farm, which offered refuge and support to marchers.
• Campsite Memorials: See the markers that indicate where the marchers camped each night on their way to Montgomery.
• White Hall: Visit the town to understand its role and significance during the Civil Rights Movement.

St. Jude, Alabama

As you approach Montgomery, stop in St. Jude, where marchers rested and regrouped before the final leg of their journey.

Sights

• City of St. Jude: Explore the grounds of this historic Catholic mission, which provided a safe haven for marchers.
• St. Jude Historic Complex: Learn about the role this complex played in the march, including hosting the “Stars for Freedom” rally.
• St. Jude School: Visit the school where marchers were welcomed and provided with meals and shelter.
• Marchers' Campsite: Reflect at the site where thousands of marchers camped before entering Montgomery.

Montgomery, Alabama (End Point)

Conclude your journey in Montgomery, the state capital, where the historic marches ended and the Voting Rights Act was signed into law.

Sights

• Alabama State Capitol: Stand on the steps where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful speech at the conclusion of the march.
• Civil Rights Memorial Center: Visit this center, which honors the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement and educates visitors about the struggle for equality.
• Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church: Tour the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.
• Rosa Parks Museum: Explore the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Good to Know

• Language: English is the primary language spoken along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.
• Currency: US Dollar (USD).
• Transportation: A car is essential for exploring the trail. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and stocked with supplies, as services can be sparse along some parts of the route.

Best Time to Travel

The best time to travel the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer (June to August) can be very hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be cool with occasional rain.

Culinary Delights

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Southern cuisine as you travel along the trail:

• Southern BBQ: Enjoy slow-cooked, smoky meats served with tangy barbecue sauce and traditional sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
• Fried Catfish: Savor this Southern favorite, often served with hushpuppies and tartar sauce.
• Pecan Pie: Treat yourself to a slice of this classic Southern dessert, made with rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecans.
• Sweet Tea: Refresh yourself with this quintessential Southern beverage, sweetened to perfection.

So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an inspiring journey along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, where history, courage, and resilience come alive! 🌄🚗✨