Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma Travel Guide

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Walk in the footsteps of civil rights heroes on this iconic bridge, a powerful symbol of the fight for voting rights and equality in Selma, Alabama.

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Edmund Pettus Bridge

The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, is an iconic symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. It was the site of 'Bloody Sunday' in 1965, where peaceful marchers advocating for voting rights were brutally attacked, galvanizing national support for the Voting Rights Act.

A brief summary to Edmund Pettus Bridge

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 Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Visit the Selma Interpretive Center at the foot of the bridge to learn about the history of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
Walk across the bridge to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute to gain a deeper understanding of the voting rights struggle.
Attend the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in March to commemorate the events of 'Bloody Sunday' and honor the civil rights movement.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking across the bridge and exploring the surrounding historic sites.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

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Old Town Historic District

Explore Edmund Pettus Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Edmund Pettus Bridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Selma Interpretive Center, cross Broad Street and walk directly onto the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge is open to pedestrians, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the civil rights marchers. Take time to reflect on the history and significance of this landmark. The walk across the bridge and back is approximately 1 mile.
Public Transport

Selma has limited public transportation. Check local bus routes for any that may stop near Broad Street, close to the Edmund Pettus Bridge. From the bus stop, walk towards Broad Street and then to the bridge. Single fares are typically around $1.25 - $2.00.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Selma. Request a ride to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, located at the intersection of Broad Street and Water Avenue. A short taxi ride within Selma will likely cost between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.
Driving

From Highway 80, follow the signs for downtown Selma. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is located at the end of Broad Street, where it intersects with Water Avenue. Limited street parking is available near the bridge. Additional parking can be found in nearby lots, with hourly rates typically ranging from $1 to $3. Be aware that parking may be limited during special events or commemorations.

Discover more about Edmund Pettus Bridge

The Edmund Pettus Bridge, spanning the Alabama River in Selma, is more than just a structure; it's a monument to the struggle for civil rights in America. Built in 1940, the bridge gained its place in history on March 7, 1965, now known as 'Bloody Sunday.' On that day, peaceful civil rights demonstrators, led by John Lewis and other activists, began their march to Montgomery to advocate for voting rights. They were met with brutal force by state troopers and local law enforcement, who used tear gas and clubs to halt their progress.The televised images of the violence shocked the nation and galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices. Today, the bridge stands as a reminder of the courage and determination of those who fought for equality and justice. Visitors can walk across the bridge, reflect on its significance, and learn more about the events that took place here.While the bridge is named after Edmund Pettus, a Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader, there have been ongoing efforts to rename it in honor of John Lewis, a civil rights icon who nearly lost his life on that very bridge. The Edmund Pettus Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 27, 2013, and it was declared a National Historic Landmark on March 11, 2013. It is a contributing property to Selma's Water Avenue Historic District that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Edmund Pettus Bridge is also part of The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail that's administered by the National Park Service (NPS).