Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Walk

Walk in the footsteps of Tallahassee's civil rights heroes and discover a powerful sidewalk memorial honoring the brave activists who fought for equality and justice.

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Heritage Walk

The Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Walk is a poignant and powerful memorial embedded in the sidewalks of downtown Tallahassee. Located on East Jefferson Street, this moving tribute commemorates the brave individuals who participated in the city's civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. The walk consists of a series of terrazzo panels that honor over 50 local activists, known as 'foot soldiers,' who fought against segregation through bus boycotts, lunch counter sit-ins, and other peaceful demonstrations. Each panel features names etched in brass footprints, along with carved quotes and images that capture the spirit of the era. Walking this path offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way for equality and justice in Tallahassee and beyond. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of civil rights and the power of collective action.

A brief summary to Heritage Walk

120 E Jefferson St, Tallahassee, Capitol Hill, Florida, 32301, US

Local tips

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the details of the terrazzo panels and brass inscriptions.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Riley Museum or Knott House Museum to delve deeper into Tallahassee's African American history.
Take time to read the quotes and reflect on the stories of the individuals honored on the walk.
Check the Visit Tallahassee website for information on guided tours or related events.
Consider visiting during Black History Month (February) for special programming and commemorations.

Getting There

Walking

The Heritage Walk is located in downtown Tallahassee on East Jefferson Street, easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels, the Florida State Capitol, and Kleman Plaza. From Kleman Plaza, walk east along Jefferson Street; the Heritage Walk begins at the intersection of Monroe and Jefferson Streets. The walk is a half-block long and is difficult to miss. It's located near the Visit Tallahassee Visitor Information Center.
Public Transport

StarMetro, Tallahassee's public bus service, has several routes that stop near the Heritage Walk. Check the StarMetro website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. The C.K. Steele Plaza is a major transfer point and is located a few blocks away. From the Plaza, walk east on Jefferson Street to reach the Heritage Walk. A single ride fare is typically $1.25.
Driving

If driving, parking is available in several garages and surface lots in downtown Tallahassee. The Kleman Plaza Parking Garage is a convenient option, located at 306 S. Duval Street, with entrances on Duval and Bronough Streets. Rates are typically $2 for the first hour and $1 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum of $7. Street parking is also available, with meters costing $1 per hour; free on weekends and after 6 PM. Several other parking lots are available in the area, with monthly permit parking available for $20-$30/month.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tallahassee. A ride from the Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) to the Heritage Walk would typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. A short ride from other downtown locations should cost no more than $10.

Discover more about Heritage Walk

The Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Walk stands as a powerful testament to the courage and resilience of the individuals who fought for equality during the Civil Rights Movement. Dedicated in 2013, this unique memorial is not housed within a building, but rather integrated into the very fabric of downtown Tallahassee, inviting residents and visitors alike to walk in the footsteps of history. The Heritage Walk is located on East Jefferson Street, a site deliberately chosen for its historical significance. It was here, in the 1950s and 1960s, that activists organized and participated in peaceful demonstrations against segregation, challenging the status quo and demanding equal rights for all. The memorial specifically commemorates the Tallahassee bus boycott of 1956, one of the first major civil rights protests in the United States, and the lunch counter sit-ins of the early 1960s, which aimed to desegregate local businesses. The memorial comprises 16 terrazzo panels, each meticulously crafted with a blend of concrete, marble, granite, quartz, and other materials. These panels are embedded in the sidewalk, creating a walking path that tells the story of Tallahassee's civil rights struggle. The names of over 50 local activists, both black and white, are inscribed on brass footprints within the panels, honoring their contributions and sacrifices. Accompanying these names are carved quotes and images that evoke the atmosphere of the era and highlight the key events and figures of the movement. As visitors stroll along the Heritage Walk, they are immersed in the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Tallahassee. The panels recount inspirational messages, display notable protest signs, and depict scenes from the 1960s lunch counter sit-ins and the 1956 bus boycott. The memorial serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who fought for equality and the progress that has been made, as well as the work that remains to be done. The Heritage Walk is more than just a historical marker; it is a living tribute to the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right. It is a place for reflection, education, and inspiration, inviting visitors to learn about the past and consider its relevance to the present. The memorial is particularly meaningful for its recognition of the 'foot soldiers' of the Civil Rights Movement – the ordinary citizens who risked their safety and livelihoods to challenge segregation and demand justice. The Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Walk is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Florida. It is a powerful and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. The Heritage Walk is located near other historical sites, such as the Florida Historic Capitol Museum and the Riley Museum, making it easy to combine a visit to the memorial with other explorations of Tallahassee's rich history and culture. While visiting the Heritage Walk, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for equality and consider how you can contribute to creating a more just and equitable society. The Heritage Walk is a reminder that the struggle for civil rights is not just a thing of the past, but an ongoing process that requires the participation of all members of society.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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USS Tallahassee Bell

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LeMoyne Arts

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Cascades Historical Plaza

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The Plant

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Visit Tallahassee Visitor Center

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Jake Gaither House

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Essential places to dine

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Charlie Park

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The Huntsman

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The Edison - Restaurant Tallahassee

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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The Wilbury

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Warhorse Whiskey Bar

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Poor Paul's Pourhouse

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Hummingbird Wine Bar

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The Brass Tap

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The Palace Saloon

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Tallahassee-Leon County Civil Rights Heritage Walk

A brief summary to Heritage Walk

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

Taxi/Ride-Share

Unlock the Best of Heritage Walk

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Heritage Walk

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Florida Firefighters Memorial

USS Tallahassee Bell

Storied Paths

LeMoyne's Chain of Parks Art Festival

Park Avenue Historic District

LeMoyne Arts

Cascades Historical Plaza

Visit Tallahassee

Apollo 14 Moon Tree

Discovery Playground

Tallahassee Trust-Historic

The Plant

Visit Tallahassee Visitor Center

Jake Gaither House

Lighthouse of the Big Bend

Unmissable attractions to see

Florida Liberty Bell Replica

Florida House Office Building

Florida Historic Capitol Museum

Union Bank Museum

Knott House Museum

Florida State Capitol

Bloxham Park

Ponce de Leon

Riley House Museum

Kleman Plaza

Smokey Hollow

Museum of Florida History

Korean War Memorial

Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

Sunny State Waterfall

Essential places to dine

Hayward House Bistro

IL Lusso

Savour

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille

JoEllen’s

Brick House Restaurant & Bar

Charlie Park

The Huntsman

347 Grille by Coach Shula

The Edison - Restaurant Tallahassee

Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack

Juicy Blue Tapas Bar & Bistro

Miller's Ale House

Shell Oyster Bar

The Iron Daisy

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Fuzzy Pineapple

19 Boutique

Stone Age

Bee's Knees

Village Art Co-op

Patricia's Unique Boutique

The Other Side Vintage

Talquin Trading Co

Ooh La La Boutique

Wonsaponatime Vintage

Bows and Arrows Boutique

Picked

Obsessions Gift Shop

Tallahassee Vintage

Scent Sabotage

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bar 1903

Level 8 Lounge