Alabama has many wonderful historic sites and trails that serve as fitting monuments to its past. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Tuskegee Institute are just two examples of the fascinating history that awaits visitors. These monuments delve into civil rights and the advent of the first African-American pilots.
The National Park Service protects this site that serves as a monument to the Tuskegee Airmen. Alabama served as the training ground for the first African-American pilots during World War II. Their experiences and history are replayed for visitors as they tour the park and museum on site. The hangar museum gives an in-depth view of what each cadet in the program experienced as they trained and often faced racial bigotry. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, and is closed on New Years, Christmas and Thanksgiving. The park charges no entrance fee, and groups are welcome.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
1616 Chappie James Ave.
Tuskegee, AL 36083
(334) 724-0922 (visitor information)
nps.gov/tuai
Tuskegee Institute was the main campus for southern African-Americans who wanted to get an education after slavery. Its president Booker T. Washington molded the school from its agricultural beginnings into a progressive school. The park features the George Washington Carver Museum, Booker T. Washington's home and visitors can tour the campus and see its history. The park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. There is no charge for admission.
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
1212 West Montgomery Road
Tuskegee, AL 36083
(334) 727-3200 (visitor information)
nps.gov/tuin
The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail marks a monument to the route taken by Martin Luther King, Jr. and others during the 1965 Voting Rights March. Visitors can step back in time by stopping at the National Voting Rights Museum, interpretive center in Lowndes County and drive the entire route. There is also a Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Walking Tour that takes you through some of the key sites in this historic figure's life. There is no entrance fee for the stops on the trail, and school groups can make reservations through the park for special programs. The interpretive center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. and is closed Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving.
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
7002 U.S. Highway 80
Hayneville, AL 36040-4612
(334) 877-1984 (visitor Information)
nps.gov/semo
