Freedom Riders National Monument
National Monument · Alabama
NPS Photo
United States National Monument in Anniston, Alabama
The Freedom Riders National Monument is a United States National Monument in Anniston, Alabama. It was established by President Barack Obama in January 2017 in order to preserve and commemorate Freedom Riders who travelled by bus in mixed black/white groups across the Deep South as part of a protest against racial segregation in Jim Crow states.
About Freedom Riders National Monument
In 1961, a small interracial band of “Freedom Riders” challenged discriminatory laws requiring separation of the races in interstate travel. They were attacked by white segregationists, who firebombed the bus. Images of the attack appeared in hundreds of newspapers, shocking the American public and spurring the Federal Government to issue regulations banning segregation in interstate travel.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot
The historic Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, located at 1031 Gurnee Avenue. This is the Greyhound Depot the Freedom Riders attempted to integrate on May 14, 1961.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | 10:00AM - 4:00PM | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
Please visit the Freedom Riders National Monument Interim Visitor Center, located at the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitor Center (1330 Quintard Avenue). 24/7 access to interactive kiosk, passport stamps, brochures and junior ranger books in the Chamber vestibule.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 4:00PM | Closed | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Freedom Riders National Monument?
Freedom Riders National Monument is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Freedom Riders National Monument?
Popular activities at Freedom Riders National Monument include: Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits.
What is the weather like at Freedom Riders National Monument?
Temperatures can soar to extremes of heat and humidity in the summer and fall to a damp, wet, cold in the winter. During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. In the spring and fall, visitors should have a light jacket available as temperatures can drop suddenly. Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extremely cold
How do I get to Freedom Riders National Monument?
Directions to the Bus Burning Site, from Atlanta and Points East: From I-20, take exit 179 toward AL-202 E/US-78/Coldwater. Merge onto Alabama State Highway 202. Turn right onto Old Birmingham Hwy. The Bus Burning site is located on the right. A gravel parking lot is available at the burn site with entry from the Old Birmingham Hwy. There is no authorized parking or pedestrian activity along State Route 202. For directions to the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, click on link below.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Temperatures can soar to extremes of heat and humidity in the summer and fall to a damp, wet, cold in the winter. During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. In the spring and fall, visitors should have a light jacket available as temperatures can drop suddenly. Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extremely cold
Directions
Directions to the Bus Burning Site, from Atlanta and Points East: From I-20, take exit 179 toward AL-202 E/US-78/Coldwater. Merge onto Alabama State Highway 202. Turn right onto Old Birmingham Hwy. The Bus Burning site is located on the right. A gravel parking lot is available at the burn site with entry from the Old Birmingham Hwy. There is no authorized parking or pedestrian activity along State Route 202. For directions to the Anniston Greyhound Bus Depot, click on link below.
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Official Resources
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