Montgomery Alabama Travel Information
The famous explorer, Hernando DeSoto, passed near the region that
was to become Montgomery as early as 1540. In 1819 (just 11 days
before Alabama was admitted to the Union), the towns of Alabama Town
and New Philadelphia joined together to become Montgomery. The name
was chosen to honor Major Richard Montgomery of the Revolutionary War.
In1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the President of the
Confederacy at the state capitol building. Interestingly, this is
also where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at
the conclusion of the famous Selma-to-Montgomery march. Perhaps
the best place to start a discovery of Montgomery is at historic Union
Station, which houses the visitor center. One will soon discover that
a premier attraction is Old Alabama Town, located in the center of
historic Montgomery, and occupying about six blocks. Remarkably, this
diverse grouping of over 40 restored 19th and 20th century homes
reflect a diverse class status, and everyday life as an Alabamian.
For even more interesting architecture, visit Montgomery’s Lower
Commerce Street Historic District which sports an array of buildings
designed in the Victorian style. Those with children, or anyone
who enjoys wildlife, should not pass by the opportunity to experience
the amazing Montgomery Zoo, which features over 700 animals from five
continents. A train ride will help those with a sense of adventure
experience the animals in their natural “barrier free” environment.
Another great find is the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. This unique
museum is packed full of interactive presentations of North American
Wildlife. No doubt, this is another sure-hit with children. Several
sites in Montgomery highlight the civil rights movement. Montgomery’s
Civil Rights Memorial was the first of its kind in the US. The
memorial details the struggles and achievements that peppered the
civil rights movement, and lists the names of dozens of people who
died for the cause. The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church is
understandably proud to note that the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. served as its pastor for six years, and orchestrated the
Montgomery bus boycott form here. A guided tour of the church is well
worth one’s time. The Rosa Parks Library and Museum pays special
tribute to the incredibly strong Rosa Parks, who refused to relinquish
her bus seat a white passenger. The museum sweeps visitors back in
time through pictures, a replica of the bus, and video
footage. Montgomery is home to one of the most respected
Shakespeare Festivals in the world. The professional cast performs
year-round, entertaining visitors with more than 400 productions per
year, including three works of William Shakespeare, and works of
several famous southern play writers. Montgomery is located at the
intersection of Interstates 85 and65, approximately 90 miles southeast
of Birmingham.
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