Montgomery’s civil rights legacy is a powerful story that beckons visitors to explore its weighty history. This self-guided audio tour provides an immersive experience, guiding travelers through the city’s pivotal role in the fight for racial justice. From the sobering National Memorial for Peace and Justice to the historic slave auction site, the tour unveils Montgomery’s complex past while inviting reflection on the ongoing struggle. Whether strolling down Dexter Avenue or standing at the First White House of the Confederacy, you will gain a deeper understanding of Montgomery’s enduring influence on the civil rights movement. Prepare to confront difficult truths and uncover moments of triumph.
Key Points
- Explore the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, confronting America’s history of racial violence and reflecting on building a more just future.
- Visit civil rights museums in Montgomery, delving into pivotal events and the triumphs and sacrifices of civil rights pioneers.
- Reflect on the injustices of slavery at the historic slave auction site of the Court Square Fountain.
- Gain insights into the Confederacy’s brief but tumultuous history by touring the First White House of the Confederacy.
- Retrace the steps of the Selma to Montgomery march on the historic Dexter Avenue, connecting to the ongoing struggle for racial equity.
National Memorial for Peace and Justice
The tour begins at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a poignant tribute dedicated to the victims of racial lynching across the United States.
This powerful memorial features over 800 suspended steel monuments, each representing a county where racial terror lynchings took place.
As visitors walk through the site, they’re confronted with the harsh realities of America’s history, a somber reminder of the lives lost to racial violence.
The memorial encourages reflection and dialogue, guiding visitors to confront this difficult past and consider how to build a more just and equitable future.
It’s a deeply impactful starting point for the tour, setting the stage for the exploration of Montgomery’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Montgomery Alabama.
Civil Rights Museums in Montgomery
Continuing the tour, visitors can explore various civil rights museums in Montgomery that recount the city’s pivotal role in the movement.
The Freedom Rides Museum chronicles the courageous 1961 bus journey challenging segregation, while the Rosa Parks Museum commemorates the brave woman whose refusal to give up her seat sparked the Montgomery bus boycott.
The Civil Rights Memorial Center, designed by Maya Lin, serves as a solemn reflection on the lives lost in the struggle for equality.
These museums provide powerful insights into the triumphs and sacrifices of the civil rights pioneers who fought for justice and equality in Montgomery and beyond.
Historic Slave Auction Site
Amidst the city’s rich history, the almost 200-year-old Court Square Fountain stands as a somber reminder of Montgomery’s past as a prominent slave auction site.
This historic landmark witnessed the buying and selling of human beings, a harrowing chapter in the nation’s history. Today, the fountain serves as a poignant symbol, inviting visitors to reflect on the profound injustices and inhumanity of slavery.
As part of the self-guided audio tour, guests can stand in the very place where enslaved individuals were once auctioned off, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s complex legacy. This sobering experience encourages visitors to confront the past and consider its lasting impact on the present.
First White House of the Confederacy
Visitors can explore the First White House of the Confederacy, where Jefferson Davis resided in 1861 as the first and only president of the Confederate States of America.
This historic site offers a glimpse into the brief but tumultuous period of the Confederacy. The tour guides visitors through the elegant antebellum home, providing insights into the daily life and political workings of the Confederate government.
Visitors can see the rooms where crucial decisions were made and imagine the tension of the time. The tour highlights the contrast between the grandeur of the house and the dark realities of the Confederacy’s cause.
It’s a thought-provoking stop on the civil rights tour, offering a deeper understanding of this complex history.
More Great Tours NearbyDexter Avenue and the Selma March
The tour then walks down the historic Dexter Avenue, where the Selma to Montgomery march culminated in a powerful speech by Martin Luther King Jr. at the Alabama State Capitol in 1965.
Dexter Avenue was the site of many pivotal moments during the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can visualize the crowds of people who gathered here to hear King’s call for justice and equality.
The tour provides a tangible connection to this historic event, allowing participants to retrace the steps of the march and gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and determination of the civil rights activists.
As you walk down Dexter Avenue, the past comes alive, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for racial equity.
Tour Details and Inclusions
The self-guided audio tour lasts for approximately two hours, allowing participants ample time to explore Montgomery’s rich civil rights history. It includes lifetime access to the tour through the VoiceMap app, which provides offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata. While the tour itself is free, visitors will need to cover the cost of any museum or attraction entrance fees along the way, as well as their own transportation, food, and drinks.
| Tour Details | Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Duration: 2 hours | Lifetime access to the tour | Tickets or entrance fees |
| Audio guide included | VoiceMap app for Android and iOS | Smartphone and headphones |
| Available in English | Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata | Transportation |
| Cancellation policy: Free up to 24 hours | Food and drink |
Smartphone App and Tour Access
To access the self-guided audio tour, users need to download the VoiceMap app for either Android or iOS devices. Once the app is installed, they can conveniently download the tour before or after their booking date, allowing for lifetime access to the content.
The tour follows a set route with turn-by-turn directions, guiding participants through the city’s rich civil rights history. While the tour is only available in English, the app’s offline access to audio, maps, and geodata ensures a seamless experience, without the need for a constant internet connection.
Important Considerations for the Tour
When embarking on this self-guided audio tour, users should keep in mind a few important considerations.
Firstly, they’ll need to ensure they’ve installed the VoiceMap app on their smartphone before setting out, as it’s the platform used to access the tour.
Plus, while the tour content is available offline, you will still require a smartphone and headphones to fully engage with the experience.
It’s worth noting that the tour is only available in English, so non-English speakers may face some limitations.
Lastly, visitors should plan accordingly, as the tour doesn’t include tickets or entrance fees to any museums or attractions along the route, nor does it provide transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take the Tour on a Different Day Than Booked?
Yes, you can take the tour on a different day than booked. The tour uses the VoiceMap app, which allows you to download and access the tour at any time after booking.
Are Group Discounts Available for the Tour?
Group discounts are not explicitly mentioned for this self-guided audio tour. The tour details indicate it’s an individual experience without any information on group pricing or discounts. Customers would need to contact the tour provider directly to inquire about any group rates.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible as it follows a set route with turn-by-turn directions. Visitors can navigate the sites at their own pace using the VoiceMap app on their smartphone and headphones.
Can I Bring My Own Audio Guide for the Tour?
The tour provides an audio guide, so bringing your own would not be necessary. The tour is self-guided and designed to be experienced through the provided audio, which can be accessed on the VoiceMap app.
How Do I Receive My Refund if I Cancel the Tour?
To receive a refund, customers must cancel the tour at least 24 hours in advance. The tour provider offers free cancellation within this timeframe, allowing customers to get their money back if they need to change their plans.
Recap
Montgomery’s civil rights tour offers a poignant and immersive experience.
Visitors will confront the city’s painful history, explore pivotal sites, and reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice.
From the National Memorial to the Selma march, this self-guided audio tour provides a powerful connection to Montgomery’s complex and influential civil rights legacy.
You can check availability for your dates here: