Background

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker

Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic 'Letter From Birmingham Jail,' a pivotal document in the Civil Rights Movement, at the site of his 1963 imprisonment.

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This historical marker commemorates the location where Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed in 1963 for protesting segregation. While incarcerated, he penned his famous 'Letter From Birmingham Jail,' a powerful response to clergymen who criticized his methods, advocating for direct action against injustice.

A brief summary to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker

  • 409 6th Ave S, Birmingham, South Titusville, Alabama, 35205, US

Local tips

  • Reflect on the significance of King's words and their relevance to contemporary issues of social justice while visiting the marker.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Take a moment to read excerpts from the 'Letter From Birmingham Jail' to fully appreciate the context and power of King's message.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The marker is located at 409 6th Ave S, in front of the former Birmingham City Jail. From most downtown locations, it is accessible by foot. Use the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as a landmark; the marker is approximately a 10-15 minute walk southeast. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    MAX Transit, Birmingham's public transportation system, has several routes that stop near the marker. Check the MAX Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) Intermodal Station, the marker is approximately 1 mile away. A one-way fare is $1.50 for adults. Exact change is required when paying on board.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Birmingham, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Letter From Birmingham Jail' Marker will typically cost between $8 and $15. The destination is 409 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205. Ask the driver to drop you off in front of the former Birmingham City Jail.

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Discover more about Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker stands as a testament to the Civil Rights Movement and the enduring power of Dr. King's words. Located at 409 6th Ave S, in front of what was formerly the Birmingham City Jail, the marker commemorates King's April 1963 imprisonment for leading nonviolent demonstrations against segregation. It was during this time that King wrote his famous 'Letter From Birmingham Jail,' responding to criticisms from eight white Alabama religious leaders who questioned the timing and methods of his protests. The letter is a defense of nonviolent resistance to injustice, arguing for the moral imperative to challenge unjust laws. King's words resonated deeply, galvanizing support for the Civil Rights Movement. The marker includes quotes from the letter, such as 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere'. The location of the marker in front of the former Birmingham City Jail adds significance, symbolizing the oppressive system of segregation that King and others fought against. The marker was erected in 2013 by Leadership Birmingham Class of 2011-2012 and the Alabama Tourism Department.

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