Road Trip Through History

December 2023

Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama attracts visitors with its rich history and vibrant culture with a tapestry of civil rights landmarks. Visiting this Southern city promises a captivating experience that blends the old with the new. One of the fascinations of downtown Montgomery is the fact that there are so many museums and attractions dedicated to telling the story of the city's role in the Civil War of the 1860s and the Civil Rights Movement that occurred nearly a century later. With Jefferson Davis as its leader, Montgomery served as the cradle of the Confederacy from February 4, 1861, to May 29, 1861. A century later, congregations in African-American churches conducted peaceful protests to overturn laws allowing segregation.  

History is woven deep in the soul of Montgomery. Begin your journey in the heart of downtown with a visit to Alabama’s State Capitol. Built in 1847, this historic structure is at the center of many historical events and is where modern-day political decisions are made. Inside the historical structure, you’ll find a grand staircase that spirals downward and a majestic mural painted on the Capitol’s Dome.

Moving up Dexter Avenue from the Capitol, you will find the historic Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. The church served as the backbone for the 1955-56 Montgomery Bus Boycott. As you walk through the church’s halls, the echoes of the past reverberate throughout, and you can feel the past come to life. You will walk in the footsteps of those who fought hard for equality. 

The Rosa Parks Museum is located on the site where she was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat. The museum chronicles the Civil Rights Movement and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The exhibits vividly capture the struggle for justice and equality.  A block away is the Freedom Rides Museum on the site of the historic Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station. Interpretive panels on the outside and contemporary artwork on the inside of the museum tell the story of young Freedom Riders who faced mob violence with non-violence and courage in May 1961. 

One of the most prolific Civil Rights memorials is the National Memorial for Peace and Justice which is dedicated to the nation’s black lynching victims created on a six-acre site atop a rise overlooking Montgomery. It’s been called one of the most emotionally powerful memorials in the country and has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people since its opening in April 2018. 

A block west of the Capitol is the First White House of the Confederacy which served as the historic home of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, during the early days of the Civil War. The home served as his residence from February to May in 1861 before the capital of the Confederacy was moved to Virginia. It is a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of Davis and the events of that period. 

Old Alabama Town also is located in downtown Montgomery. The six-block-long village features authentic structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The buildings have been restored and are open to the public so visitors can learn how early Alabamians lived.

Another popular attraction is the Hank Williams Museum located on Commerce Street. It serves as a tribute to one of the most influential figures in country music history. The museum offers fans and visitors a captivating journey through the life and career of Williams. The museum chronicles his rise to fame, his struggles and his enduring influence on generations of musicians. A highlight at the museum is the 1952 baby blue Cadillac that stands as a symbol of his success. 

The city also is known for its many classic culinary delights that offer visitors a true sampling of Southern cuisine.  

Montgomery is more than a destination; it is a journey through time, a celebration of resilience and an invitation to visitors to explore its diversity.