Birmingham Civil Rights District

The district spans six blocks in downtown Birmingham and contains buildings closely tied to events of the 1960s. Here you will find the civil rights institute, the 16th Street Baptist Church, and several other sites dedicated to that struggle.

The district took shape in response to events in 1963, when a bombing at a church killed four young girls. This tragedy drew national attention and made Birmingham central to the story of the struggle for justice.

The district shows the everyday places where the civil rights movement took shape and where people today learn stories of those times. The buildings and monuments speak to the lives and struggles of those who were here.

The best starting point is Kelly Ingram Park, from where walks extend throughout the district. Most sites are easy to reach on foot and the route is flat and manageable.

The park holds metal sculptures of police dogs and water cannons that were once used against demonstrators. These artworks allow visitors to grasp the violence of that time visually.

Location: Alabama

GPS coordinates: 33.51600,-86.81500

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47