Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

In 1963, Birmingham was the center of a campaign against segregation. Images of police using dogs and fire hoses on young marchers helped build national support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Civil Rights & Social Change

Why it matters

In 1963, Birmingham was the center of a campaign against segregation. Images of police using dogs and fire hoses on young marchers helped build national support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Why it may matter to you

It shows how a local campaign led by ordinary residents — including children — changed national law.

The fuller story

In September 1963, a bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church killed four girls. The monument remembers both the violence and the courage of the movement.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: Half a day (our estimate)
Setting: Indoor and outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Some partner sites charge admission or have set hours. Check each site.
Getting there: Sites are within walking distance in downtown Birmingham; driving is easiest to reach the city.
With family: Some content is intense; read ahead with children.
Seasons and weather: Summers are hot and humid.
Accessibility: Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.