We are open tomorrow from 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610
Alabama State Capitol, Montgomery

The heart and history of Alabama

A journey in the Deep South

Article content

29 January 2024 by David Ward

In the 1950s and 1960s, in America's Deep South, history was being made. Alabama saw tragedy unfold in the emotional clashes that characterised the civil rights movement, while almost simultaneously, the American music industry was forever changed by two recording studios that came to prominence in a small town on the Tennessee River. Today, Alabama showcases both sides of its mid-20th-century history in equal measure.

It was in Montgomery, Alabama's capital, where Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her bus seat in 1955, triggering a series of bus boycotts that marked a shift in attitude and the start of a new phase in the growing civil rights movement. Montgomery is also home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s church, and the courthouse of Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr., whose landmark decisions helped further the efforts of protestors towards desegregation. Today, visitors can see all of these sites, including the spot where Rosa Parks was arrested, as part of the official United States Civil Rights Trail.

Of course, Montgomery's Alabama State Capitol Building was also the end-point of one of three famous protest marches from Selma, crucial to the successful passing of 1965's Voting Rights Act. Selma's role in Alabama's civil rights history is pivotal; iconic images of the Edmund Pettus Bridge are synonymous with the events of the time. Indeed, the first march from Selma, on a Sunday in March, 1965, ended in police brutality and violence, captured and broadcast on television to the horror of the nation. Today, Selma serves as a symbol of hope and change, and the bridge and the many museums and monuments across the city are fascinating reminders of Alabama's complex past.

Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama

Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma

Less than two hours' drive north from Selma, Birmingham, Alabama's largest city, is just as significant. Barack Obama designated its Civil Rights District a national monument while he was in office, highlighting the importance of such landmarks as A. G. Gaston Motel, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the 16th Street Baptist Church – the site of the tragic Ku Klux Clan bombings that claimed four young lives in 1963. As sobering as a visit here may be, the church attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama
16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham

And, as Alabama's largest city, Birmingham has plenty to offer beyond its historical legacy. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an authentic Southern feel, especially when it comes to food – think fried chicken and collard greens – and music. The Jazz Hall of Fame in the city's downtown tells the story of Birmingham's musical roots and the nearby nightclubs are still hotspots for live jazz, while the Carver Theatre, which was once frequented by legends like Duke Ellington, continues to shine a light on fresh, local talent.


Alabama's music scene

It's Muscle Shoals, however, that is Alabama's true musical claim to fame. Home to two of the world's most iconic recording studios, FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, this little town is responsible for some of the biggest records of the twentieth century – including Percy Sledge’s ‘When A Man Loves a Woman’ and 'Brown Sugar' by The Rolling Stones. Those considering a Deep South music drive simply have to stop here. The unique hillbilly-come-rock 'n' roll-come-blues sound of sessions band 'The Swampers' attracted everyone from Aretha Franklin and Etta James to Otis Redding in their 1960s heyday.

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio
Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Feeling inspired? Alabama has plenty to offer the discerning traveller; pair its musical and cultural significance with great food, warm and friendly people, and some amazing sights – don't miss the mountainous north, the pristine beaches of the Gulf Shores and the world-famous space centre in Huntsville. Find out more about tailor-made travel to Alabama here, or give us a call for help planning your next trip.

Related offers

Alabama State Capitol, Montgomery, Alabama, USA

Alabama Music Self-drive

14-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,820 pp incl. flights

The Deep South has music running through its veins, and nowhere more so than in the state of Alabama. Explore its rich heritage, both musical and otherwise, on this tailor-made road-trip.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected