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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Alabama's Historical Top 10

With so many historical sites and attractions to choose from, planning what to do and see in Alabama can be a bit overwhelming. That's why we've rounded up our Alabama History & Heritage Top 10...in no particular order, these are the things you should definitely try to make time for during your Deep South stay!

  • Birmingham Civil Rights Institute presents a powerful historical catalogue of the American Civil Rights struggles of the 1950's and 1960's, charting the racial disparities and key events of the period. A must-see for anyone interested in the Deep South's turbulent race relations during the 20th Century.
  • Another civil rights visit to add to your itinerary is the Montgomery Civil Rights Landmarks. Perhaps we've cheated a bit here as this is multiple attractions, but all doable in less than a day and well worth adding to your itinerary. Highlights include the Rosa Parks Museum, Dexter Parsonage, and Freedom Rides Museum.
  • A must for all World War II buffs is the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, where the infamous African-American pilots trained. 
  • For civil war enthusiasts, Fort Gaines will pique the interest. This was a crucial site for the south during the conflict. The guided tour is worth booking in advance due to its popularity.
  • For the literary, a visit to the Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum is something not to pass up on. This is the only museum in the world  dedicated solely to the authors. Though they only resided here during 1931 and 1932, it is filled with intriguing artefacts.
  • Step back in time when you visit immersive Old Alabama Town. About 6 city blocks in size, this is an area of restored buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Experience life as it used to be in the Yellowhammer State.
  • Another slice of Alabama's history worth seeing is the Old Cahawba Archeological Park. Cahawba was the state capital in the early 19th century, and today is an important archeological site.
  • Reserve a day or two to experience the historical diversity which Historic Blakeley State Park has to offer. Its 2000 acres are home to native American settlements, the sites of the largest civil war battles, and the important early Alabama town of Blakeley.
  • Florence's Indian Mound & Museum takes you way back further into the area's history, with many pre-historic exhibits. 
  • The second weekend in March each year sees the Gainesville Civil War Re-enactment. If you are visiting at this time, it's something well worth attending. Civil War history immersion at its very best!

Want to find out more? We are always happy to hear from you; our expert teams will be able to answer all your questions, so get in touch!

 

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