Brown Chapel AME Church, Selma Travel Guide

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Visit the historic Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama, a pivotal landmark in the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for voting rights.

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Brown Chapel AME Church

Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama, is a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. Built in 1908, it served as the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, a pivotal event that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

A brief summary to Brown Chapel AME Church

410 Martin Luther King St, Selma, Alabama, 36703, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Brown Chapel AME Church.

Take a guided tour to learn about the church's history and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Visit the nearby Edmund Pettus Bridge and the National Voting Rights Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place in Selma.
Check the church's website or call ahead to confirm tour availability and hours of operation.

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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

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Explore Brown Chapel AME Church on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From the Selma Public Library at 1103 Selma Ave, head southeast on Selma Ave toward US-80 E. Continue straight for about 0.2 miles until you reach the intersection with Martin Luther King St. Turn right onto Martin Luther King St and walk for about 0.4 miles. Brown Chapel AME Church will be on your left at 410 Martin Luther King St.
Public Transport

From the Selma Transit Center, located at 1300 Lapsley St, take the Route 1 bus towards the Selma Shopping Center. After approximately 10 minutes, get off at the stop on Martin Luther King St near the intersection with US-80. From there, walk about 0.2 miles south on Martin Luther King St. Brown Chapel AME Church will be located at 410 Martin Luther King St, on your right. A single ride on the Selma public bus costs $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From downtown Selma, a taxi or ride-share (Uber is available in Selma) to Brown Chapel AME Church will typically cost between $5 and $10, depending on traffic and demand.

Discover more about Brown Chapel AME Church

Brown Chapel AME Church, located in Selma, Alabama, stands as a powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. Constructed in 1908 by A.J. Farley, a Black builder, the church's Romanesque Revival architecture with its imposing twin towers reflects its enduring strength and resilience.In 1965, Brown Chapel became the epicenter of the Selma to Montgomery marches, a series of protests against voting rights discrimination. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., used the church as its headquarters during this critical period. On March 7, 1965, now known as "Bloody Sunday," approximately 600 peaceful protestors gathered at Brown Chapel to begin their march to the state capital. They were met with brutal violence by law enforcement at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, just six blocks away. This event, televised nationally, galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law later that year.Today, Brown Chapel AME Church is a National Historic Landmark, a testament to the courage and determination of those who fought for voting rights and equality. Visitors can tour the church and learn about its history and significance, and reflect on the pivotal role it played in shaping American history. A monument dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands in front of the church, commemorating his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.