The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail was established by Congress in 1996, to commemorate the events, people, and route of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Alabama. The March route is a component of the National Trails System, and is administered by the National Park Service (NPS). The route is also designated as a National Scenic Byway/All-American Road, awarded by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). When completed, there will be three Interpretative Centers along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.
Shown is the Selma Interpretative Center which is located in downtown Selma on Broad Street at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It is the first of the National Park Interpretative Centers and serves as the Welcome Center to the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. Inside you will find videos, exhibits and a small bookstore. The Center is owned by the City of Selma and is operated by the National Park Service.
Located on U. S. Hwy 80 approximately midway between Selma and Montgomery is the $10 million dollar Lowndes Interpretive Center. This Center offers a variety of opportunities for experiencing the events of the Marchers including view videos, hear voices of the March, and touch interactive exhibits.
When completed, there will also be a Montgomery Interpretive Center located on the campus of Alabama State University. There are already Trail signs in place along the route to the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery that mark the events of the Marches.
