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Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument: A Sacred Landscape of Courage

Explore Birmingham's Civil Rights National Monument: a powerful journey through history, courage, and the fight for equality. Visit the 16th Street Baptist Church and more.

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Commemorating the pivotal 1963 Birmingham campaign, the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument stands as a powerful testament to the struggle for civil rights. Encompassing significant landmarks like the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the A.G. Gaston Motel, the monument offers a deeply moving experience, inviting reflection on the events that shaped American history.

A brief summary to Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for an overview of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham.
  • Allow ample time to reflect at Kelly Ingram Park, a space that commemorates the Children's Crusade.
  • Check the opening hours for the 16th Street Baptist Church and other sites in advance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is accessible via MAX Transit, Birmingham's public transportation system. Several bus routes serve the downtown area where the monument is located. From the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) Intermodal Station, the monument is a short walk. A one-way fare is $1.50. Exact change is required when paying on board.

  • Walking

    The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument encompasses roughly four city blocks in downtown Birmingham, making it easily walkable. The various sites, including the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and the A.G. Gaston Motel, are within close proximity to each other. From most downtown hotels or attractions, you can easily walk to the monument.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham. A taxi ride from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport to the monument will cost approximately $41. Within the downtown area, a short taxi ride should cost around $15, but this is an estimate.

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Discover more about Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, established in 2017, preserves and commemorates the courageous efforts of the 1963 Birmingham campaign and the broader Civil Rights Movement. This 18-acre monument encompasses several historically significant sites, each telling a profound story of the fight against racial discrimination. The 16th Street Baptist Church, a beautiful neoclassical structure, is a somber reminder of the devastating bombing in 1963 that claimed the lives of four young girls. Nearby, Kelly Ingram Park serves as a vivid memorial to the Children's Crusade, where young protesters faced police brutality with remarkable bravery. The A.G. Gaston Motel, once a haven for civil rights leaders like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, stands as a symbol of Black entrepreneurship during segregation. Bethel Baptist Church, a hub for civil rights activism, adds another layer to this sacred landscape. Visitors can begin their journey at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which provides an interactive and deeply moving introduction to the city's history. Through exhibits and artifacts like the Freedom Rider bus and the door from Dr. King's jail cell, the institute offers a glimpse into the realities of segregation and the unwavering determination of those who fought for equality. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the progress achieved in the pursuit of civil rights, inviting visitors to reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The monument is still in development, with plans to restore the A.G. Gaston Motel to its 1963 appearance and create exhibits detailing the hotel and the Birmingham Campaign.

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