The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is a significant historical site located in Birmingham, Alabama. This national monument was established on January 12, 2017, to commemorate the pivotal role Birmingham played in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Situated in the heart of downtown Birmingham, the monument encompasses the A.G. Gaston Motel and the surrounding buildings that were used as a meeting place and headquarters for various civil rights leaders during the 1960s. The A.G. Gaston Motel served as a safe haven for prominent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who strategized and organized nonviolent protests from this location.
Visitors to the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument can explore the A.G. Gaston Motel, which has been restored to resemble its appearance during the height of the civil rights movement. Many original artifacts and photographs are on display, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality during this turbulent time in American history.
The national monument is also surrounded by other significant landmarks connected to the civil rights movement. The nearby Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a museum dedicated to educating the public on the city's pivotal role in the fight for racial equality. The 16th Street Baptist Church, where a bombing in 1963 took the lives of four African American girls, is another important site in close proximity to the monument.
Additionally, visitors can take part in guided walking tours of the Civil Rights Historic District, exploring key locations such as Kelly Ingram Park, which served as a gathering place for protests, and the Birmingham Jail, where Dr. King wrote his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
Overall, the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in Alabama offers visitors a chance to learn about and reflect upon the struggles and sacrifices made during the civil rights movement. With its rich historical background and proximity to other significant landmarks, it provides a comprehensive experience for those interested in this important chapter in American history.
The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is positioned amidst the vibrant urban landscape of Birmingham, Alabama. Nestled in the heart of the state, this monumental site holds significant historical value as it symbolizes the struggle and triumph of the Civil Rights Movement. Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham enjoys a strategic geographical location, making it a hub of transportation and commerce. The monument is situated near downtown, encompassing Kelly Ingram Park, which witnessed numerous pivotal events during the movement. The city's rich cultural heritage and diverse population make it a dynamic setting for honoring and educating visitors about the ongoing endeavor for equality and justice in America.
A.G. Gaston Motel1510 5th Avenue NorthBirmingham, AL 35203Driving DirectionsPhone: 205-679-0065Web: Link
The best time to visit Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument is during the months of April and May. During these months, the average maximum temperature ranges from 76°F to 82°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperature during this time is between 53°F and 62°F, ensuring comfortable conditions. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is around 4.6 inches, which is relatively moderate. Overall, April and May offer the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures and manageable precipitation for visitors to enjoy the outdoor attractions of the monument.
Some of the activities you can do in Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Museum Exhibits
Learn about these topics at Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument: Tragic Events African American Heritage Religion and Spirituality Churches Women's History Monuments and Memorials Social Movements Incarceration Civil Rights Urban America Jails and Prisons Murders Explosions
The A.G. Gaston Motel served as the headquarters for the Birmingham campaign. In April through May of 1963 civil rights leaders, including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., took up residence at the motel where they strategized and made critical decisions about the non-violent campaign that targeted Birmingham’s segregation laws and practices. Several key events of the campaign publicly unfolded at the property.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: A.G. Gaston Motel.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Hampton Inn & Suites-Downtown-Tutwiler is centrally located in Birmingham, a 5-minute walk from Birmingham Museum of Art and 8 minutes by foot from Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 6 meeting rooms available for events.
Address: 2021 Park Place, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
A stay at Redmont Hotel Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton places you in the heart of Birmingham, within a 10-minute walk of Freedom Riders Debarkation Site and Birmingham Museum of Art. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Address: 2101 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
A stay at Courtyard Birmingham Downtown at UAB places you in the heart of Birmingham, steps from University of Alabama Hospital and 3 minutes by foot from UAB Proton Center. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1820 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Web: Link
Located in Birmingham (Downtown Birmingham), Tourway Inn is within a 15-minute walk of Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1101 6th Ave N, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
A stay at Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott places you in the heart of Birmingham, steps from Heaviest Corner on Earth and 3 minutes by foot from McWane Science Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Birmingham? This hotel has facilities measuring 1830 square feet (170 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1928 1st Ave N, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
With a stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Birmingham Downtown, you'll be centrally located in Birmingham, just a 5-minute walk from University of Alabama Hospital and 6 minutes by foot from Railroad Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 250 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Web: Link
With a stay at Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham, you'll be centrally located in Birmingham, just a 5-minute walk from University of Alabama Hospital and 6 minutes by foot from Railroad Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Birmingham? This hotel has facilities measuring 3700 square feet (344 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 250 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233
Web: Link
With a stay at John Hand Club Hotel in Birmingham (Downtown Birmingham), you'll be steps from Heaviest Corner on Earth and 5 minutes by foot from McWane Science Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 17 20th Street North, Suite 700, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
With a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Birmingham Downtown in Birmingham (Civil Rights Historic District), you'll be steps from Heaviest Corner on Earth and 3 minutes by foot from McWane Science Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Birmingham? This hotel has facilities measuring 1785 square feet (166 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1918 1ST AVENUE NORTH, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
With a stay at this apartment in Birmingham (Civil Rights Historic District), you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Citizen's Federal Savings Bank and Booker T Washington Insurance Building. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1623 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-28 | A.G Gaston Motel Closed for Construction The A.G. Gaston Motel will close to visitors for renovation on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The last day for visitors to see the Gaston Motel before construction is Saturday May 9, 2026. The construction is expected to take 18 months. When completed the site will increase accessibility with a new elevator so all visitors can access the second-floor, new exhibits to tell the story of the building and Project C, and revitalize this historic landmark. Follow the link for more information. More |
| 2024-09-05 | Freedom Riders NM seeks public comment on Bus Burning Site Freedom Riders National Monuments seeks public input on long-term vision of the Bus Burning site More |
| 2024-08-08 | Dr. Rolando Herts selected as superintendent of Birmingham Civil Rights, Freedom Riders National Monuements The National Park Service (NPS) today announced the selection of Dr. Rolando Herts as superintendent of Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and Freedom Riders National Monument in Alabama, effective Sep. 9. More |