The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail traces the path taken by the three voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. The trail follows public roads through the City of Selma, Lowndes County, and the City of Montgomery. The trail is well marked and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Check below for basic information about the park and the Interpretive Centers along the trail!
The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama, designated as a National Scenic Byway/All-American Road, commemorates the 1965 Voting Rights March. The 54-mile-long trail starts at the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, passes through Dallas County and Lowndes County, and ends at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery.
Visitors can explore interpretive centers located in Selma and White Hall and take part in the year-round special events along the route. The Selma Interpretive Center, opened in March 2011, offers exhibits, a video, and a bookstore, and provides a view of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, famously known as the site of Bloody Sunday. The Lowndes County Interpretive Center features a 25-minute film, museum exhibits, photographs, and an outdoor walking trail.
The trail includes historic sites like the Brown Chapel AME Church, First Baptist Church, Edmund Pettus Bridge, Dallas County Courthouse, and Alabama State Capitol, among others. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail is a testament to the struggle and sacrifices made to preserve the right to vote as a cornerstone of American democracy.
