Freedom Riders National Monument

The Freedom Riders National Monument is located in Anniston, Alabama. It commemorates the historic events that took place during the Civil Rights Movement in 1961. The landmark is situated at the site of the former Greyhound Bus Station, where a group of courageous activists known as the Freedom Riders were violently attacked by a mob.

The Freedom Riders were a racially integrated group that aimed to challenge and defy the segregation laws that were still in effect at the time. On May 14, 1961, a Greyhound bus carrying these activists arrived in Anniston and was met with hostility. A violent mob attacked the bus, throwing rocks and slashing its tires. The bus was eventually firebombed, forcing the Freedom Riders to flee for their lives.

Today, visitors to the Freedom Riders National Monument can explore the preserved Greyhound Bus Station and learn about the bravery and resilience of the individuals who fought for equality. The monument offers exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours that delve into the history of the Freedom Rides and their significance in the Civil Rights Movement.

Aside from the National Monument, Anniston also boasts several other attractions related to the Civil Rights Movement. The Anniston Civil Rights Trail features numerous sites of historical importance, including the Bethel Baptist Church and the Calhoun County Courthouse. These locations provide further insight into the struggles and triumphs of the movement.

Other notable attractions near the Freedom Riders National Monument include the Berman Museum of World History, which houses a diverse collection of artifacts, and the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area, Cheaha State Park offers breathtaking panoramic views and a variety of recreational activities.

Overall, the Freedom Riders National Monument in Alabama is a significant historical landmark that honors the bravery and sacrifices of the Freedom Riders. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the turbulent history of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight for equality. With various attractions nearby, visitors can also enjoy a diverse range of experiences in this culturally rich region.

Freedom Riders National Monument is situated in Anniston, Alabama, a town encompassed by the picturesque Appalachian Mountains. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Anniston is surrounded by rolling hills, verdant forests, and breathtaking natural beauty. The monument itself is positioned in the heart of downtown Anniston, an area characterized by its quaint charm and historic significance. Nestled amidst the vibrant cityscape, the monument stands as a solemn reminder of the courageous activists who fought for civil rights during the 1961 Freedom Rides. With its strategic location and striking backdrop, Freedom Riders National Monument serves as a poignant tribute to the pivotal events that took place in this vibrant, yet historically significant, corner of Alabama.

Address & Contact

Freedom Riders National Monument
1031 Gurnee Ave
Anniston, AL 36201
Driving Directions
Phone: 205-568-3963
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Freedom Riders National Monument would be in the months of April and May. During this time, the average maximum temperatures range from 75°F to 82°F, and the average minimum temperatures range from 50°F to 60°F. The average monthly precipitation in April is 4.5 inches, while in May it is 4.4 inches. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with moderate temperatures and relatively low precipitation levels.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Freedom Riders National Monument are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Topics

Learn about these topics at Freedom Riders National Monument: Transportation Tragic Events African American Heritage Social Movements Roads, Routes and Highways Incarceration Civil Rights Jails and Prisons Explosions

Visitor Centers

Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce

Due to limited hours at the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, information about Freedom Riders National Monument is also available at the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center. The Visitor Vestibule with the passport stamp and park brochures offers additional hours Monday through Friday.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.

Campsites within or near Freedom Riders National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Freedom Riders National Monument

Key West Inn Oxford

Located in Oxford, Key West Inn Oxford is a 2-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 6 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1207 Hwy 21 S, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

Sleep Inn Oxford Anniston I-20

A stay at Sleep Inn Oxford Anniston I-20 places you in the heart of Oxford, a 8-minute drive from Talladega National Forest and 12 minutes from Anniston Museum of Natural History. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 88 Colonial Dr, Gadsden, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Anniston Oxford

Located in Oxford, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Anniston Oxford is a 3-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 7 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Oxford? This hotel has facilities measuring 650 square feet (60 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 143 Colonial Drive, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

Hotel Finial, Best Western Premier Collection

A stay at Hotel Finial, Best Western Premier Collection places you in the heart of Anniston, just a 3-minute walk from Anniston City Meeting Center and within a 5-minute drive of Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Anniston? This hotel has facilities measuring 3000 square feet (279 square meters), including a conference center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1600 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, Alabama 36201
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Oxford Anniston

Located in Oxford, Hampton Inn & Suites Oxford Anniston is in the entertainment district, a 3-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 8 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 210 Colonial Dr, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oxford - Anniston

A stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oxford - Anniston places you in the heart of Oxford, a 3-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 7 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 100 Colonial Dr, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Anniston Oxford

Located in Oxford, Courtyard by Marriott Anniston Oxford is a 3-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 8 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 289 Colonial Dr, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn Oxford/Anniston

Located in Oxford, Hilton Garden Inn Oxford/Anniston is in the business district, a 3-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 8 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Oxford? This hotel has 6028 square feet (543 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 280 Colonial Dr, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

Motel 6 Anniston, AL

Located in Oxford, Motel 6 Anniston, AL is a 2-minute drive from Quintard Mall and 6 minutes from Talladega National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 202 Grace St, Oxford, Alabama 36203
Web: Link

American Inn

With a stay at American Inn in Anniston, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum of World History. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1015 Highway 431 N, Anniston, Alabama 36206
Web: Link