Before leaving for my trip to Alabama I spoke with two of my friends about the Southern region. One told me about its legendary hospitality and the other one about its compelling history. It was with this comparison in mind that I embarked on my tour of the history and culture of Alabama. Watch video here.
At Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church.
Exploring a Historical City Center
We started by visiting downtown Montgomery, which is filled with monuments from the Civil Rights era. One of the highlights was the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as pastor. To have the chance to step in such a place is a privilege.
At Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church.
It is very peaceful there and a wonderful place to reflect on the struggles that took place. Portraits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders are displayed throughout, along with famous quotes. The basement also features a wonderful hand-painted mural. The entire experience is very powerful and left a strong impression on me.
A Monument to Civil Rights
Staircase of the Alabama State Capitol.
Next, we visited the Alabama state capitol, While walking in the Capitol building, I ran into a very friendly lady who recommended visiting the nearby Civil Rights Memorial. The memorial was designed by architect Maya Lin, also known for her work on the Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Outside the memorial is a beautiful outdoor fountain. The center of the memorial is a giant circle, and as you enter you can see testimonials and photos of those who fought for civil rights.
The monument touched me deeply. I kept moving through the hallway, which was filled with Civil Rights quotes about improving the world. As I embraced each of them I arrived in a large, high ceilinged room with a 180-degree screen called the Wall of Tolerance that was projecting names. I realized these were names of people who pledged to make a commitment to work in their daily lives for justice, equality and human rights, the ideals for which many civil rights martyrs died. I added my name to the list.
Home of Literary Giants
After Montgomery we traveled to Monroeville and enjoyed the scenery on the road including gigantic green trees. The Monroe County Museum tells the story of two prominent writers of the post World War II period, Truman Capote and Harper Lee, who were childhood friends in the 1930s. Lee’s only published work was “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a Pulitzer Prize winner of such lasting fame that it still remains a large tourist draw for the town.
The Story of Carnival
We arrived in Mobile by night. Mobile is known for its legendary Mardi Gras, and the town features a wonderful museum about the history of Mardi Gras. There are fascinating stories along with several exhibitions of the ornate capes, costumes and crowns used in the ceremonies. Some even say that there is a ghost that lives there!
History Comes Alive
Alabama is very rich with history and culture that seems to come alive when you visit its historical cities. The stories that are told through these towns are an important part of history that I felt enriched to experience them.
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Travel Journal available in French here.
Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. More to come!
Thanks, Caroline
When You Go
Historical Sites
Alabama State Capitol Building
http://www.preserveala.org/capitoltour.htm
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church
http://www.dexterkingmemorial.org
Civil Rights Memorial
http://visitingmontgomery.com/play/civil-rights-memorial-center
http://www.splcenter.org/civil-rights-memorial
Fascinating Museums
Mobile Carnival Museum
http://www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com
Monroe County Museum
http://www.monroecountymuseum.org
For More Information
Alabama’s Official Travel Guide
CaroLine Style 