Background

Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Discover Birmingham's Historic 4th Avenue Business District: A vibrant center of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and civil rights history.

5

Once the thriving heart of Birmingham's Black community during segregation, the Historic 4th Avenue Business District is now a revitalized area filled with historical landmarks, businesses, and cultural attractions [4, 5]. Explore the district's architecturally significant buildings and learn about its rich history [11].

A brief summary to Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Local tips

  • Visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inside the Carver Theatre to celebrate the state's rich jazz heritage [11].
  • Take a guided walking tour to learn about the district's history and the stories of the people who shaped it [11].
  • Explore the architecturally significant buildings that once housed thriving Black-owned businesses [11].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, head north on 16th Street North [11]. Turn right onto 4th Avenue North. The Historic 4th Avenue Business District is located between 15th and 19th Streets North [11]. This is a short walk of approximately 5-10 minutes [11].

  • Public Transport

    The MAX Transit bus system provides service to the Historic 4th Avenue Business District [11]. Several bus routes stop near the district, including routes 3, 5, and 45 [11]. From the Birmingham Intermodal Facility (Central Station), located at 1801 Morris Avenue, the district is a short bus ride away [11]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [11].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Birmingham [11]. A ride from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or the Birmingham Intermodal Facility to the Historic 4th Avenue Business District will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand [11].

  • Driving

    Several parking options are available near the Historic 4th Avenue Business District [7, 16]. Parking decks are located at 2128 4th Avenue North, and metered street parking can also be found in the area [13]. Parking rates vary, but typically range from $2 to $5 per hour [18, 19].

Unlock the Best of Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Historic 4th Avenue Business District

The Historic 4th Avenue Business District in Birmingham, Alabama, stands as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Black community during the era of segregation [4, 5]. From the early 1900s, Jim Crow laws forced Black businesses to concentrate in this area, fostering a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and social life [8, 9]. During its heyday, 4th Avenue was home to a wide array of Black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance companies, barber shops, beauty salons, mortuaries, restaurants, theaters, and professional offices [4, 8, 9]. The district's centerpiece was the Masonic Temple, a seven-story building that housed offices, a library, a soda fountain, and a ballroom where legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and Count Basie performed [8, 9]. The Carver Theatre, another prominent landmark, showcased live stage shows and later became the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame [4, 6, 11]. Today, the Historic 4th Avenue Business District is undergoing a revitalization, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historical buildings and promote economic growth [4, 6, 11]. Visitors can explore the district's landmarks, learn about its history at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and support local businesses that continue to contribute to the area's cultural heritage [5, 11].

Popular Experiences near Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Popular Hotels near Historic 4th Avenue Business District

Select Currency