Alabama has played an instrumental role in shaping American history. From Native American tribes to Civil Rights Movement, you will find important historical landmarks throughout Alabama.
Visit Clanton’s octagonal house to gain an understanding of life in pre-Civil War America or Helen Keller’s Ivy Green home where she learned to communicate despite being deaf and blind.
History
Alabama boasts a rich and complex history that spans Native American tribes to the Civil Rights Movement and more. Montgomery is where the first telegram to start the American Civil War was sent from while Tuskegee honors one of its African American military units with The Oaks or Tuscumbia is home to Helen Keller’s birthplace.
Capitol Hill in the state capital of Madison is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, while Edmund Pettus Bridge became famous when civil rights activists were attacked by police during Bloody Sunday in 1965, becoming an icon for modern Civil Rights movement. Other historic sites include Moundville archaeological site which contains 29 platform mounds occupied by Mississippian tribes between 1000 AD to 1450 AD; it too is recognized by NRHP.
Civil Rights Movement
After the Civil War, white Democrats dominated state legislatures and instituted segregation via Jim Crow laws which separated schools, restaurants and drinking fountains. This system was brutal and ruthless – increasing lynchings along with an upsurge in Ku Klux Klan activity.
Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to surrender her seat on a bus in 1955 initiated the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Atrocities against Freedom Riders during their 1960 rides across America as well as his murder heightened national awareness of racial hatred. Martin Luther King led protests, with Selma-to-Montgomery marches fuelling national outrage which ultimately lead to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1966.
Discover this pivotal time in our nation’s history at the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery. Step in the footsteps of civil rights heroes at Rosa Parks Museum and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Monument; or celebrate their bravery at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.
Battleship USS Alabama
As soon as word surfaced that World War II-era South Dakota-class battleship USS Alabama would soon be scrapped for parts, state leaders took swift action. Governor John Patterson appointed a small fact-finding committee, led by Henri Aldridge, to determine whether or not she could be saved and brought to Mobile Bay as the centerpiece of a memorial park.
A committee realized they could, and launched an ambitious statewide fundraising campaign. Schoolchildren raised over $100,000 through nickels and dimes for this effort. Today, the Mighty A is open to the public as a living memorial to America’s veterans; touring this battleship will leave an unforgettable impression!
Governor’s Mansion
After spending their days serving constituents, governors return home to homes that reflect the pride of their state – in 45 states they do so by inhabiting sprawling, beautiful historic structures.
This Georgian-style brick house resembles a Greek cross in form with its gable roof projections intersecting at its center and Ionic columns under an entablature featuring Ionic columns under an entablature with paneled wooden door entrance portico.
Explore the interior of this mansion to enjoy furniture purchased for its first residents, period garments, agricultural implements and weapons that add an authentic experience. It serves as headquarters of Alabama Historical Commission as well as being listed on National Register of Historic Places; opening to public viewing since 1950 with a garden at its center.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
A historic site situated along a horseshoe-shaped river bend in Alabama, Horseshoe Bend stands as an important battle site from 1813-1814’s Creek Indian War and saw Chief Menawa of Red Stick Creeks defeated, marking an end to war that allowed white settlement. Additionally, this victory put Nashville lawyer Andrew Jackson on track towards becoming President.
The 2,040-acre park features a visitor center and museum, automobile tour road with stops at key points in the battle, 2.7 mile nature trail and two picnic areas and boat ramp for your enjoyment year-round. Every season offers something new in this magnificent natural space!
