RT Edmund Pettus Bridge

Iconic steel-arched bridge symbolizing the struggle for civil rights and the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches.

General Information

Hours:

Open 24 hours daily for pedestrians and vehicles
Selma Interpretive Center: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fees:

Free admission to walk across the bridge and visit nearby interpretive sites

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowedes in outdoor areas; not permitted inside buildings

Closest cities with hotels:

Selma, AL (city center)

Seasons:

Spring and Fall are ideal for walking tours and commemorative events

Location:

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How to Get There

From Montgomery, AL (50 mi): Take US-80 W directly to Selma. The bridge is located at the intersection of Broad Street and the Alabama River in downtown Selma.

Overview

The Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as one of the most powerful symbols of the American civil rights movement. Located in Selma, Alabama, this steel-arched bridge was the site of the infamous “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965, when peaceful marchers advocating for voting rights were violently attacked by law enforcement. The televised brutality shocked the nation and galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, the bridge remains a place of pilgrimage, reflection, and education, drawing visitors from around the world to walk in the footsteps of history.

The bridge is part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and is flanked by key landmarks such as the Selma Interpretive Center and the National Voting Rights Museum. Visitors can explore exhibits, attend commemorative events like the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, and engage with the ongoing legacy of civil rights activism. Whether visited in quiet contemplation or during a vibrant community gathering, the Edmund Pettus Bridge offers a profound connection to the past and a call to continue the pursuit of justice and equality.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.