Edmund Pettus Bridge
A national landmark and pivotal site of the Civil Rights Movement, the Edmund Pettus Bridge symbolizes the struggle for voting rights and equality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Commemorates Bloody Sunday
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Best Time
Commemorates Bloody Sunday
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A national landmark and pivotal site of the Civil Rights Movement, the Edmund Pettus Bridge symbolizes the struggle for voting rights and equality.
"Walking where history was made, a powerful stride towards freedom across the Edmund Pettus Bridge."
🚶 Walk with Purpose
Walk across the bridge to truly feel the history. Allow time for reflection. :athletic_shoe:
🌧️ Be Prepared for Weather
Weather can change quickly. Bring an umbrella or rain gear, especially if visiting in spring. :umbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walking the Bridge
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Experience the weight of history by walking across the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge, a pivotal site of the Civil Rights Movement.
Bloody Sunday Memorial
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Reflect on the courage of civil rights activists who faced violence here fighting for voting rights.
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Selma's Civil Rights Legacy
Selma, Alabama
Explore Selma's rich civil rights history, including nearby museums and historical markers that complement the bridge visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Reflection
+1Understanding the Bridge's Significance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk with Purpose
Walk across the bridge to truly feel the history. Allow time for reflection. :athletic_shoe:
🌧️ Be Prepared for Weather
Weather can change quickly. Bring an umbrella or rain gear, especially if visiting in spring. :umbrella:
📚 Understand the History
Research Bloody Sunday and the Civil Rights Movement beforehand for a deeper connection.
📸 Capture the Moment
The bridge offers powerful photo opportunities. Consider early morning or late afternoon light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk with Purpose
Walk across the bridge to truly feel the history. Allow time for reflection. :athletic_shoe:
🌧️ Be Prepared for Weather
Weather can change quickly. Bring an umbrella or rain gear, especially if visiting in spring. :umbrella:
📚 Understand the History
Research Bloody Sunday and the Civil Rights Movement beforehand for a deeper connection.
📸 Capture the Moment
The bridge offers powerful photo opportunities. Consider early morning or late afternoon light.
🚗 Drive or Walk?
You can drive over it, but walking offers a more profound experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe walking the Edmund Pettus Bridge as a powerful and moving experience, deeply connecting them to the Civil Rights Movement. Many are moved by the historical significance and the courage of the activists. However, some note that the surrounding town of Selma appears run-down, which can be disheartening.
"Walking where history was made. Where so many brave individuals were willing to take a stand for their rights and justice. Martin Luther King, John Lewis and numerous others."
Brenda Shultz
"We took a stroll around the city to explore its attractions. We'd been eager to visit this iconic bridge and were thrilled to finally make it happen. What a powerful stride towards freedom across the Edmund Pettus Bridge."
Alma Moises
"Loved the historical aspect! We walked across the bridge and just took in the moment!"
Michele Trzcinski-Ramos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Edmund Pettus Bridge is located in Selma, Alabama. It's accessible by car, and parking is often available near the bridge. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Montgomery, which is about an hour away.
Public transportation options directly to the bridge are limited. It's best to drive or arrange for transportation to Selma.
Many visitors recommend walking across the bridge to truly connect with its history. Driving over it is also an option, but walking offers a more impactful experience.
While there might not be official guided tours of the bridge itself, local historical societies or museums in Selma may offer tours of the surrounding civil rights landmarks.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge is approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km) long. This is important to note if you plan to walk across it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit or walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It is a public landmark.
The bridge is a public road and is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee to access the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It is a free historical site.
While the bridge is technically open 24/7, visiting at night is generally not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting for historical reflection.
As a public road, standard traffic laws apply. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the historical significance of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is walking across the bridge and reflecting on its history. Nearby, you can visit the Selma Interpretive Center and the National Voting Rights Museum.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended if you plan to walk across the bridge. Dress for the weather, as it can be hot and humid in Alabama. :athletic_shoe:
The bridge has sidewalks, but the incline can be steep. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to walk the entire length.
It's most famous for Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965, where civil rights marchers were brutally attacked by state troopers while protesting for voting rights.
Restroom facilities are typically found at nearby visitor centers or parks, rather than directly on the bridge itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
The panoramic views from the center of the bridge, looking towards Selma or the Alabama River, are particularly striking.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's advisable to check for any restrictions before flying a drone.
Visitors often capture photos of themselves walking the bridge, the river below, and the surrounding landscape, often with a reflective or historical theme.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and maintain respectful behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When walking the bridge, focus on the bravery of the marchers and the importance of fighting for rights. Emphasize that progress often requires courage and perseverance. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes, as walking the bridge can be tiring, especially in warmer weather.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
+1Complement your visit with stops at the Selma Interpretive Center and the National Voting Rights Museum to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Selma to Montgomery marches and their impact. Reading accounts from figures like John Lewis beforehand can also enrich the experience.
+1 Consider visiting during the anniversary of Bloody Sunday (March 7th) for a more immersive experience, though expect larger crowds. 🚶 Solo Travelers
Take your time walking across, absorbing the atmosphere and contemplating the sacrifices made for civil rights. Consider bringing a journal to jot down thoughts and reflections. Visiting nearby historical markers and museums in Selma can provide additional context and a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement's impact.
Engaging with local historical resources can offer unique insights into the area's past and present.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Bloody Sunday
+1This pivotal event highlighted the urgent need for federal voting rights legislation. The violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge became a powerful symbol of the struggle for equality and justice. It directly contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices. Visiting the bridge today offers a chance to connect with this profound moment in American history and honor the sacrifices made.
+1Many visitors describe a profound and eerie feeling when standing on the bridge, a testament to the weight of the events that transpired there. It's a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance, a reminder of the ongoing fight for civil rights and the importance of civic engagement.
Experiencing the Bridge Today
+1Many travelers make a point to walk the entire length of the bridge, imagining the courage of those who marched before them. Some visitors note that while the town of Selma itself may appear run-down, the historical significance of the bridge and its role in the Civil Rights Movement remains palpable.
+1Beyond the bridge itself, Selma offers other important civil rights sites, such as the Selma Interpretive Center and the National Voting Rights Museum, which provide further context and deepen the visitor's understanding of this critical period in American history.
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