Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, is located in the center of the state on the east bank of the Alabama River. It is considered the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. The Baptist Church on Dexter Avenue gathered the first activities of the movement around Martin Luther King, Jr. Nearby is the Civil Rights Memorial in memory of those who gave their lives for the movement. Old Alabama Town with its 19th-century homes retains some of the atmosphere of old Montgomery, once an important cotton market. Other points of interest include the Capitol and the White House, the oldest in the Confederate states. On the eastern edge of town are the Museum of Fine Arts and the famous Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theater. East of Montgomery, about 43 miles, is Tuskegee University, which originated as a college for the education of blacks founded by former Negro slave Booker T. Washington in 1881.
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1 Civil Rights Monument
The Civil Rights Memorial commemorates those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. A curving black granite wall with the words “until righteousness rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” strode across. Below the wall is a black granite disc, with water flowing over the surface, bears the names of those killed. The Memorial is located in an open area next to the Civil Rights Memorial Center.
Adres: 400 Washington Avenue
2 Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church had the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as his predecessor from 1954-1960. The church can trace its roots back to 1877 where it was founded in the pen of a slave trader. A mural in the church depicts Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Journey from Montgomery to Memphis.
3 Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts has a primary focus of American art, including paintings, prints, and a graphic collection. Other highlights include 19th-century American decorative arts, furniture, china and glass, and European masters. The museum also offers traveling exhibits and educational programs.
Adres: One Museum Drive
Official site: https://mmfa.org/
4 First White House of the Confederacy
The First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery was home to Jefferson Davis and his family after it was dedicated in 1861. The First White House was moved 10 blocks to its current location in 1921 and then restored. The house has double lounges and a library. Mrs. Jefferson Davis donated many items for display, including antique furniture, wartime objects, and some of Davis’s personal effects.
Address: 644 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States
Official site: https://www.firstwhitehouse.org/
5 Alabama State Capitol
The current State Capitol building in Montgomery was reconstructed in 1850 after the original burned down. Built in the Greek Revival style, it served as the state capitol and capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Tours are available.
6 Alabama State Archives and History Museum
The State Archives and Museum of History explore Alabama’s Native American development and pioneer artifacts. Other displays include Civil War regimental flags and portrait galleries. The State Archives in Montgomery was founded in 1901 as the nation’s first state archives agency. Built at the turn of the century, this building features marble walls and steps of Tennessee gray marble and Alabama white marble.
The second floor of the archive is a room dedicated to former Vice President William Rufus King. The room displays King’s personal furnishings, silver, china, and some of these clothes. The documents on display allow visitors to get a glimpse of this fascinating man and the period in which he lived.
Official Site: https://archives.state.al.us/
7 Hank Williams Museum
Exhibits at the Hank Williams Museum in downtown Montgomery include the powder-blue 1952 Cadillac, a Steinway piano, signed record jackets, and costumes.
Address: 118 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States
Official Site: https://thehanwilliamsmuseum.net/
Where to Stay in Montgomery for Sightseeing
We recommend these convenient hotels in Montgomery with easy access to the city’s most popular museums and memorials:
- Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center: midrange price, river view, entertainment district, rooftop pool.
- Staybridge Suites Eastchase Montgomery: 3-star hotel, near shops and restaurants, free evening reception and laundry service, outdoor pool, sports court.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Montgomery-Downtown: affordable rates, great location, nice lobby, free hot breakfast.
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Montgomery: budget hotel, short drive to downtown, friendly staff, clean rooms.
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