Civil Rights Memorial

The Civil Rights Memorial is a monument in Montgomery, Alabama, made of a round table of black granite with water flowing over its surface. A curved wall of granite rises behind it, forming an open plaza with the table in the center of downtown.

Maya Lin designed the memorial following a competition in 1988, and it was dedicated in November 1989. The site sits near the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached from 1954 to 1960.

Water flows over the names carved in granite, echoing Dr. King's words about justice rolling like a stream. Visitors often touch the surface of the table and read the inscriptions as the water moves gently across them.

The plaza is accessible around the clock and sits within walking distance from the State Capitol. The adjacent center offers guided tours by reservation, and restrooms are located inside the building.

The inscriptions on the table follow a timeline from 1954 to 1968, recording events and individuals. The constant water flow keeps the surface cool and reflects the sky, allowing the names to remain readable.

Location: Alabama

Architects: Maya Lin

Official opening: 1989

Website: https://splcenter.org/civil-rights-memorial

GPS coordinates: 32.37626,-86.30325

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24