13 Essential US Historical Journeys for Every American

3. Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail traces a powerful and pivotal chapter in civil rights history—where ordinary people became agents of extraordinary change. Spanning 54 miles in Alabama, the route marks the path of the 1965 march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and countless activists. Start your journey at the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, pass over the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge, and follow the path to the State Capitol in Montgomery. Along the way, interpretive centers, memorial parks, and yearly commemorative events help modern travelers understand the courage and unity required to fight for voting rights. The route stands as a living tribute to the struggle for justice and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you walk a portion or drive the entire stretch, you’ll find a landscape charged with memory and meaning—and opportunities to connect with ongoing efforts toward equality and inclusion.