Plaque Text for this Alabama landmark:
On May 20, 1961, a group of Black and white SNCC members led by John Lewis left Birmingham bound for Montgomery on a Greyhound bus. They were determined to continue the “Freedom Ride” from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans that had met with violence in Birmingham. Their purpose was to test a court case, “Boynton vs. Virginia,” declaring segregation in bus terminals unconstitutional. Upon arriving in Montgomery, their police escort disappeared, and an angry mob of over 200 Klan supporters attacked and injured them at the Greyhound terminal. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy was so enraged that he sent in 450 U.S. Marshals and thus became active in the movement.
More about Civil Rights Freedom Riders:
That pretty well sums it up!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Become a member of the Alabama Historical Association!
- Become a member of the Friends of the Freedom Rides Museum!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
210 S Court St
Montgomery, AL 36104
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Read the plaque whenever you like, but the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM!
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