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Birmingham Civil Rights Tour: History and Heritage
5.0
713 Ratings
Birmingham
Embark on a three-hour walking and driving tour of Birmingham to uncover the historic struggle for equal rights. Explore the Civil Rights movement from the end of the Civil War to the present day, visiting significant landmarks and learning about the courageous individuals who fought for change.
Embark on a three-hour walking and driving tour of Birmingham to uncover the historic struggle for equal rights. Explore the Civil Rights movement from the end of the Civil War to the present day, visiting significant landmarks and learning about the courageous individuals who fought for change.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Civil Rights District - Guests will walk around Kelly Ingram Park, see 16th Street Baptist Church, and learn about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham
- Kelly Ingram Park - Walk around the park to see the statues and learn about those who marched for freedom in Birmingham
- 16th Street Baptist Church - Learn about the role the church…
- Civil Rights District - Guests will walk around Kelly Ingram Park, see 16th Street Baptist Church, and learn about the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham
- Kelly Ingram Park - Walk around the park to see the statues and learn about those who marched for freedom in Birmingham
- 16th Street Baptist Church - Learn about the role the church played in the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham and the history of the church bombing that tragically killed four little girls.
- Linn Park - See where the march protests ended in Birmingham and learn about groups fighting for Civil Rights in Birmingham
- Boutwell Auditorium - Guests will learn about Bull Connor and his clashes against those fighting for Civil Rights
- Smithfield - Visit Dynamite Hill to see houses and churches that were bombing in Birmingham during the Civil Rights movement.
- The Historic Bethel Baptist Church - Guests will see the church where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth led the movement from
- Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park - See the Black Business District to learn about Black life in Birmingham during its heyday.
- John Herbert Phillips Academy - Guests will see where Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth attempted to integrate schools in Birmingham
- Wells Fargo ATM - See where the Freedom Riders where attacked in Birmingham.
What's Included
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Knowledgeable driver/guide at your service
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Engaging live commentary on board
- Inclusive of all activities
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
- Knowledgeable driver/guide at your service
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
- Engaging live commentary on board
- Inclusive of all activities
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
On this tour, which combines both WALKING & DRIVING, you will be on a three-hour journey around Birmingham. This journey will take you through the historical struggle for equality that spanned from the end of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. The tour initiates at the statue of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a key figure in the local Civil…
On this tour, which combines both WALKING & DRIVING, you will be on a three-hour journey around Birmingham. This journey will take you through the historical struggle for equality that spanned from the end of the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. The tour initiates at the statue of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a key figure in the local Civil Rights struggle. The tour includes discussions on why there was a need for the Civil Rights movement and the factors that led to the breakdown of segregation. As you tour significant churches, parks, and homes within Birmingham, you’ll gain insights into the various factions that either supported or opposed the Civil Rights movement.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to significant weather (hurricane, tornado, or ice), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- We will walk over a mile on the tour in temperatures anywhere between 40-100F. Guests must be able to walk unassisted at a reasonable speed.
- Not recommended for those that cannot walk at least a mile.
- Not recommended for those affected by cold/hot weather.
Location
512 16th St N
16th Street North
I will be standing in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute next to the Fred Shuttlesworth statue. There is a parking lot diagonal from the front of the Institute that is free to park in. There is also free street parking(no meters) & paid street parking(meters) around the start point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(713 Ratings)
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Fearless754512
Nov 1, 2024
Excellent civil rights tour of Birmingham - This is an excellent and very informative civil rights tour. Birmingham history is presented chronologically from 1865-1965 in a fascinating and moving mix of facts interwoven with stories that make the facts come alive. We were driven through neighborhoods like Dynamite Hill and Collegeville (where Rev. Shuttlesworth's church, the Bethel Baptist church is located). There were a good number of stops where we left the van to see things up close and learn more details. Even if you know the general history, you will learn more from the stories Mike tells. I highly recommend taking Mike's tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q6531nmsamr
Oct 27, 2024
Recommend 100%! - I cannot recommend this tour enough - if you're visiting Birmingham, you should 100% do this! Mike was a fantastic tour guide, and provided us with so many in-depth and incredibly powerful stories of Birmingham's Civil Rights history - particularly the amazingly brave work of Fred Shuttlesworth. I couldn't help but walk away from this experience feeling so humbled and moved by the stories we heard and the places we got to be through this experience. You owe it to yourself to do this if you're in town - you'll take away so much from it.
And Mike - if you ever read this, you weren't kidding about that special dog at Gus's! Thanks for the suggestion and the great conversation! :)
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Judith_s
Oct 26, 2024
Highly recommend! - Clay's tour was excellent. He addressed specifics on the Birmingham movement as well as provided historical context for these events. The drive into the neighborhood allowed us to glimpse Birmingham's past and also to see the impact that environmental racism has wrought in the area which was once home to the African American community. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Stephc9876
Oct 26, 2024
Do this tour! - This tour was incredible. Highly recommend. We went through some many different sites and the tour guy was great. Very interested tour with lots of details.
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Stanmv
Oct 21, 2024
Top notch tour!! - If you are in Birmingham, definitely do not miss taking a tour with Red Clay Tours! Our civil rights tour was fantastic. Our guide Mike is incredibly knowledgeable and makes history come alive. He is clearly passionate about the subject, and it shows when he talks. His depth of knowledge is incredible; he even texted us a list of books and podcasts that he has found particularly useful when learning more about Birmingham's civil rights journey. The 3 hours flew by, and everyone from my high schooler to my 90 year old mom loved it. Time well spent with a terrific guide!
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Stephen_k
Oct 21, 2024
Outstanding - Mike’s tour was outstanding. It was extremely informative, moving, and incredibly worthwhile. Do not miss out on his tour.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_g
Oct 20, 2024
Great experience - Good guide, well-paced, very interesting anecdotes. I would recommend that the guide have an I-Pad to show-case more photos and videos, instead of just a cell phone. Otherwise, very informative.
Review provided by Viator
Joseph_y
Oct 14, 2024
Excellent tour - Mike is an excellent guide. He made the struggle come to life! We strongly recommend seeing the Civil Rights Institute before the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Derek_s
Oct 12, 2024
A wonderful, honest and heart-felt experience. I wish all tours were like this! - A fantastic tour! One of the best I've ever been on. Mike is a great guy, really passionate about the troubled history of Birmingham and he had my Mum and I in tears multiple times on the trip with the honest and heartfelt way he delivered the information. I highly recommend going on this tour!!
Review provided by Viator
D2photo6325
Oct 12, 2024
Great history tour of Birmingham. Highly Recommend - Clay was our tour guide. HIGHLY recommend the tour. While we were warned about the nature of the tour (civil rights and the bombings that took place), Clay gauged our interest and proceeded with our (Give it ALL to us request) we were not disappointed. We wanted the unfiltered version of the history surrounding the Civil Rights movement that took place in Birmingham. Excellent stops, both walking and driving around town that give you a full picture of the city. Areas you may not go to on your own for various reasons. Clay also gave us some suggestions on films to watch regarding the areas we went to. We have watched both (freely available on YouTube for those wondering). Do yourself a favor and take the time with this company. This is a small group experience and not a group on a tour bus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor