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Freedom Riders National Monument: A Pivotal Stand for Civil Rights

Explore the sites where the Freedom Riders faced violent opposition in their fight against segregation, and reflect on their lasting impact on civil rights.

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Commemorating the courageous 1961 Freedom Riders, this national monument in Anniston, Alabama, marks sites where activists challenging segregation faced violent attacks. Visit the former Greyhound bus station and the bus burning site to reflect on their pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Freedom Riders National Monument

  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit both the Greyhound Bus Station and the Bus Burning Site to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events.
  • Check out the Anniston Civil Rights and Heritage Trail, which includes other landmarks associated with the struggle for civil rights in Anniston [4, 6].
  • The outdoor exhibits are open 24 hours, allowing you to visit at any time [7, 13].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in downtown Anniston, the former Greyhound Bus Station is easily accessible on foot [6]. From Noble Street, head east towards Gurnee Avenue. The station is located at the corner of East Eleventh Street and Gurnee Avenue [6]. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes from the main downtown area [6].

  • Driving

    From I-20, take exit 185 to Alabama State Hwy 21 North. Turn left on East Eighth Street, then right on Gurnee Avenue [12]. The Greyhound Station is located at the corner of East Eleventh Street and Gurnee Avenue [12]. Parking is limited to street parking [5]. Consider parking on Noble Street, which offers two hours of free parking [7, 16]. To reach the Bus Burning Site from the Greyhound station, take Alabama Highway 202 West and turn left onto Old Birmingham Highway [12]. The site is located at the junction of Highway 202 and Old Birmingham Highway [12]. Parking is limited to gravel patches along Old Birmingham Highway [7, 12]. Use caution when crossing or walking along the roadways [12].

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Discover more about Freedom Riders National Monument

The Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston, Alabama, stands as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who challenged segregation in the early 1960s [6, 9, 11]. Established in 2017, the monument comprises two significant locations: the former Greyhound Bus Station and the site where a bus carrying Freedom Riders was firebombed [6, 8, 9]. These sites commemorate the events of May 14, 1961, when interracial activists were violently attacked for their efforts to desegregate interstate travel [3, 6, 9]. The former Greyhound Bus Station, located at 1031 Gurnee Avenue, marks the spot where the initial attack on the Freedom Riders occurred [3, 6]. A mob of segregationists assaulted the bus, slashing tires and breaking windows [3, 6, 17]. Though the bus managed to escape, it was ambushed again just outside of town [6, 9, 17]. Today, visitors can see outdoor exhibits, historical markers, and a mural depicting the events that unfolded [6, 7]. The site offers a sobering glimpse into the hatred and violence the Freedom Riders faced [6, 9, 17]. Six miles west of Anniston, along Old Birmingham Highway (Highway 202), lies the site where the bus was firebombed [6, 9]. Here, the mob set the bus ablaze, trapping the Freedom Riders inside [6, 17]. The riders narrowly escaped, only to be further attacked as they fled [6, 17]. This site serves as a chilling reminder of the extreme measures taken to preserve segregation [6, 9, 17]. The Freedom Riders' actions, and the violence they endured, sparked national outrage and increased pressure on the federal government to enforce desegregation laws [3, 9, 14]. The monument not only commemorates their courage but also serves as a call to continue the fight for equality and justice [6]. Visitors can reflect on the sacrifices made and the ongoing relevance of the Civil Rights Movement [6].

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