A little off the beaten path, but a worthy stop on our vacation journey. Upon crossing the bridge and parking, we were greeted by a kind gentleman who had a table set up (selling shirts, books, etc). He introduced himself (I forget his name) and told the story of Bloody Sunday and his family ties to that event. That kicked into a meaningful conversation, which I am thankful for. We then walked the bridge, which was a heavy moment for us (as midwesterners who are mostly sheltered from this sort of history). Upon returning to our car, we struck up some more conversation, and got to meet "Mr. Smith". I didn't understand much of what he said, but I could feel the history in this man. He had a been a saxophone player, and had been around quite some time. He was a genuine spirit, and I am glad to have met him. We left some money on the table, and went on our way. read more

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We visited and crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL on Jan 9, 2026 as part of Road Scholar's "The Civil Rights Movement - Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham" program. The experience would be perfect if it wasn't raining that day. But we made the best of it. First, we gathered at Songs of Selma for a group photo. Then we took the walkway next to it to cross the bridge. I went across the road to the walkway on the opposite side to better capture the group as they were crossing. I'd have gotten more footage if I wasn't also holding an umbrella over my head at the same time. That wasn't fun. The crossing ended at the Civil Rights Memorial Park, south of the Alabama River. In all, the crossing took 6 minutes. Footage of the crossing is in the video "Day 6: Crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge" on my YouTube channel, in playlist "2026-1: The Civil Rights Movement - Atlanta, Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham". Also on my playlist is the video "Selma Bridge Experience 01.09.2026", posted by our tour guide of the same crossing. If opportunity presents itself in the future, I'd like to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge again... when it isn't raining. read more

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Growing up learning about the history of Edmund Pettus Bridge and its relationship to Civil Rights, segregation and racism made my visit experience solemn and sobering. To freely walk about a bridge that people were prohibited from crossing invoked feelings I cannot describe. The bridge is well maintained and had a historical marker at its base for visitors to read. read more

Last time I went to see my sister in Brundidge Alabama. I drove over this amazing bridge. If you never been highly recommend going to see it. Its historical and it shows just how years ago bridges were made. If I get to go back again I be traveling back this way again. Thabk you read more

THE Historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. I was fortunate to be able to visit Alabama and felt like I had to pay homage to this space that had responsibility in creating social changes in America's society. Parking: There's parking on both ends. If you're at the museum side, you should check it out and make a donation. Ambiance: I went here on a Friday morning and it was your small town grit and grind community. Nothing too flashy, just some basic essential stores, restaurants and museums. There are some plaques to read and learn more and even phone apps to learn more! Overall: 4.5 stars. I may not agree with the name of the bridge but I admire the brave Freedom Fighters that fought for human rights on March 7, 1965. I wish this community all the best and look forward for this place to grow. Advice: * Selma is a small town, a great place to walk around and learn more about the community and history. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Woot! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a bridge that also serves as a National Historic Landmark. This bridge was the site of the brutal beating of civil rights marchers on a day that history remembers with the name "Bloody Sunday." This violence was televised nationally. This brought more public support for the civil rights activists in Selma, Alabama and ultimately these activists secured the right to vote. The bridge itself is impressive on its own, but when you factor in this historic importance, this bridge is definitely important. All in all, I will give this bridge a five-star rating. I came across this by accident, but it is definitely worth seeking out. If you find yourself in the Selma, Alabama area, I would recommend coming to this bridge. This bridge holds historic importance and needs to be remembered. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

This national historic landmark is beautiful and quite historical!! What an experience getting to walk where some of the bravest people walked. I echo the sentiments of another Yelper in this being a humbling experience. There was a guy near the entrance that introduced himself to our group because he offered a tour and wants to make sure proceeds go towards Selma. Be forewarned he will most definitely approach you. He has good intentions but is a little too persistent. We opted out because we already had tour guides and a native to Selma. And we supported Selma in financially giving to one of the ladies who runs a tour where she talks about her personal experience getting to participate in the actual Selma march!! Anywho, the greenery here was beautiful as well. read more

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Edmund Pettus Bridge is part of the National Park Services National Historic Trail. On March 7, 1965, 600 peaceful civil rights protestors were brutally beaten by Alabama State Police Officers as they crossed this bridge who ironically was named after a Confederate general and reputed grand dragon of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan, Edmund Pettus. I personally would welcome a new name for this bridge but I know the locals do not want to do that. I respect their decision not to rename it. Bloody Sunday is an important moment in our history, It is part of the Selma to Montgomery March US Highway 80 in 1965. The bridge is located at US 80 at Alabama River. Since we have visited late in the evening, no tourist is around that time. In 1965 March 7 approximated 600 civil right movement people try to march as far as six blocks from the bridge and met with local lawmen and attack them with Billy club and tear gas and drove them back to Selma. Two day later, Martin Luther King, Jr., led a "symbolic" march to the bridge. Then civil rights leaders sought court protection for a third, full-scale march from Selma to the state capitol in Montgomery. Besides the bridge, very little else to see. Downtown is deserted and run down which is a shame (although Hilton just took over a hotel so maybe something is in the works). The symbolic march starts with 3200 people and ended with 25000 people in the 5 day march. This march is in the peak of civil right movement for the right to vote. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965--the best possible redress of grievances. The bridge setting over the Alabama River is beautiful. This place is very peace and quiet and who can think it is symbol for an important movement. Go to visit the bridge if you close to Montgomery. read more

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One of the iconic spots in America in regards to our continual struggle with human rights in this country. If you are ever in the area, you should definitely stop and walk the bridge, read the signage, and reflect on our history. It is an awe-inspiring experience, as well as a reminder that there is still much to be done. A solemn reminder of how bad history in the South was. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

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On March 7, 1965, 600 peaceful civil rights protestors were brutally beaten by Alabama State Police Officers as the crossed this bridge who ironically was named after a Confederate general and reputed grand dragon of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan, Edmund Pettus. I came down from Birmingham for the day, which was about an hour and a half drive, each way. On face value walking this bridge may not seem like much. However, what this bridge represents and the history behind it is humbling and makes the experience powerful as well as meaningful. This Bridge was thrust into being a key part of the civil rights movement. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk the bridge and back. There is a nice sidewalk for you to walk the bridge safely. But still keep in mind that traffic will be zooming past you. Words to describe the walk are humbling, somber, reflective, empowering and peaceful. The Bridge seems to be in decent shape, but the trash around it and the graffiti painted under makes me sad. The areas leading up to the bridge are riddled with litter and under the bridge is tagged with political statements and graffiti. But if you look around, you can see the city dying a slow death and is in need of some reinvestments. On one end of the bridge is the Selma Interpretive Center and on the other side is the Voting Right Museum and Civil Rights Park/Gift Shop. I came on a Sunday and parked at the Civil Rights Park/Gift Shop and walked across the bridge and back. If you want the full effect, you can start your walk from the Brown Chapel AME Church, where the original Marchers started. You definitely can not go to Selma with out stoping by the bridge. I recommend that you first stop at the Interpretive Center though, to get some background and history of the Bridge before your walk. I hope that the area is able to be revitalized and that we are able to continue to preserve its vast history including the bridge. read more

WOW. It was surreal to be on this bridge. I personally didn't know much about it until I watched the movie Selma, then I made sure to do my research on it. I learned so much and I had to come see it in person. The history on this bridge is something we should never forget. This was my first stop on my civil rights trail journey for a new documentary I'm putting on Youtube. I'm glad to have made the trip and get amazing pictures and videos with my drone as well.- MrBucketlist read more

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There is a little parking lot and park trails on the right before the bridge when heading into Selma (the Voting Museum is on the opposite left side of the road and closed on Sundays). You can park and walk over the bridge! I missed out because no one was walking at the time and I didn't realize it was safe to do so. Once you pass over the bridge into Selma, there is also a little seating memorial area on the right side of the bridge and a great spot for photos over the Alabama River. They have a great message to support Selma by staying the night or having a meal but not sure where I would stay or eat...I needed to look this up and plan ahead of time. read more

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The image of Selma is wrapped up in this bridge and, perhaps, deservedly so. It was the impetus to Civil Rights legislation. As I walked over the bridge a few times, the decayed beauty of this waterfront town revealed itself to me in the morning sun. There is a forlorn dignity to the buildings. Driving into an equally architecturally significant neighborhood directly adjacent to the small downtown core, potential seems to be around every corner. Yet, much of Selma still seems, at least on the surface, frozen. read more

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What an incredible piece of history. Walking across this bridge was an incredible experience. I'm at a loss for what else to say about it. Even with lots of things closed due to the pandemic, this was still worthwhile. read more

We walked 2x2 over the Pettus Bridge in memory of the many lives that crossed this bridge during the civil rights era. This bridge is an essential place to visit while in Alabama. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

This is one of the most impactful, somber walks you can take in America. The history behind the March from Selma to Montgomery is staggering. The national effect it had is unbelievable. We are so glad that we had time to visit during our weekend in Montgomery. It is definitely work the 50 minute drive. Selma is a dying town, and you can feel it just when you try to find a good place for lunch. You can see it in the trash all along the side of this historical bridge. In how poorly the sitting area by the river is upkept. In how dangerous the walk across the bridge is. Bloody Sunday is an important moment in our history, but you would never know from who forgotten this town is. It is a real shame, and I hope more Americans decide to make the trip out here to remember, reconcile with the violence, and have more productive conversations about race in America. read more

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Great opportunity for a self guided history lesson. Learning the history of the bridge, the peaceful view of the river and the interpretive center make this a must see. I'd love to see the bridge renamed personally but listening to locals I respect their decision not to rename it. read more

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It's a beautiful thing to walk and drive over this bridge from both sides. We had the pleasure of seeing it from both sides. It's really a short walk as far as distance. We took a lot of pictures. Very good experience. When you get across the bridge there is a park you can go thru a trail and see the rocks and the mirror. If you're visiting Selma Alabama l highly recommend. Very moving experience. Lots of information and history with the voting Rights Act. read more

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I was very moved to see this bridge in person. We looked at it from both ends and drove over it. It seemed to echo with history and the birth of the Voting Rights act. Come see it. read more

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Very nice and humbling being able to experience a location with such a rich past. Kinda surreal in a sense with knowing what happened there.

Edmund Pettus Bridge is part of the National Park Services National Historic Trail. It is part of the Selma to Montgomery March US Highway 80 in 1965. We visited this place for the 50 year historical march of the civil right movement. The bridge is located at US 80 at Alabama River. Since we have visited late in the evening, no tourist is around that time. In 1965 March 7 approximated 600 civil right movement people try to march as far as six blocks from the bridge and met with local lawmen and attack them with Billy club and tear gas and drove them back to Selma. Two day later, Martin Luther King, Jr., led a "symbolic" march to the bridge. Then civil rights leaders sought court protection for a third, full-scale march from Selma to the state capitol in Montgomery. The symbolic march starts with 3200 people and end with 25000 people in the 5 day march. This march is in the peak of civil right movement for the right to vote. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965--the best possible redress of grievances. The bridge setting over the Alabama River is beautiful. This place is very peace and quiet and who can think it is symbol for an important movement. Go to visit the bridge if you close to Montgomery. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Edmund Pettus Bridge from the Movie Selma - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

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5 stars for the experience of watching the bridge during sunset and trying to relive the history behind it. Felt sad to see the abandoned state of the city Selma though. When I was walking on the bridge and trying to capture it on my camera, some people from passing by cars honked or shouted at me. When I seemed to be startled by the unexpected attention, they drove away laughing and feeling pleased. Not so happy with that experience! read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

This historic bridge and setting is breathtaking! To walk this bridge where so many before have fought for a right to vote is so humbling. This bridge represents the struggle that people liter died for. The bridge is old and not well maintained. The memorial park a the foot of the bridge is so understated, no lighting, seating or other accommodations for handicap accessibility. This bridge alone could be a win-win tourist destination but the leaders of Selma either aren't interested or lack someone to market it properly. Besides the bridge, very little else to see. Downtown is deserted and run down which is a shame as the potential is there! Because of this lack of vision, Selma is sleeping on its biggest draw to the city! read more

I love it when a historical piece of history is well maintained. I felt like a part of history having been here. There is plenty of parking located across the street before the bridge. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

Thank god for historical landmarks. Fortunately, this particular bridge has been preserved because of its deep historical significance in the civil rights movement. I'm always happy to know that people do respect history and efforts are made to keep the sites of important events intact. If they didn't, we would lose places like this ... and with that loss would go the memory of what occurred, left only to the history books. I also want to add that Selma needs this bridge. It is my opinion that the city is a little sad and in much need of tender loving care. Signs of lack of attention abound immediately in the area around the bridge. Abandoned buildings and garbage everywhere. It was very sad to see and completely unnecessary. The reality is that if Selma will ever recover as a town --- and then is a ton of potential here - it will be due to its association with the civil rights movement and this Bridge will be the focal point of that recovery movement. So I am extremely glad this bridge has been preserved. It's important to both the history of our nation and the future of Selma itself. read more

A hugely historical place in what's left of a once prosperous Alabama city, now the fastest-shrinking city in the state. Still, the enormous historical significance of the bridge is hard to overlook. So just impressive to be there and to walk across the bridge towards Montgomery in the footsteps of heroes. read more

Come to Selma. Park. Walk this bridge. Stop and meditate. Commune with one of the most important locations, moments, and journeys of the Civil Rights movement. A moving and life-enhancing experience, any time. read more

We actually watched the movie Selma before we visited the bridge. Some of the characters that are featured in the movie provide some guidance/context when you're reading the plaques, seeing pictures, etc. It's a quick walk across the bridge, but the traffic flies past. Just be cautious. read more

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In Selma Alabama my home. We have visitors visiting and walking across the bridge taking pictures everyday.

I love when I just happen to be near historical sights and get an opportunity to visit them. I was visiting family for Thanksgiving and this place was within a reasonable driving distance from their house. On my way back home I stopped here and learned quite a bit. If you have the opportunity to visit I highly recommend it. If you can donate a little bit of cash for the upkeep please do so as basically one person and dedicated volunteers try their best to maintain the area. read more

I was driving to Texas and had to pass through Alabama on the one way and figured it was worth it to make a detour to see this bridge. Always loved history and its not often I get see civil rights sites ever since I left the south. I can't not give it 5 stars, I mean it is just a bridge but there's so much tied to it as far as equal voting rights. Really...not much to review here. read more

Pros: Scenery at sunset is breath-taking for those who are unafraid to walk across this shaky, historic bridge. Surrounding buildings maintain their elegance and dignity, despite their decaying state. Cons: N/A read more

So small and 'regular' but yet so important. The history just floods over you. If you are a civil rights or history nut then this place should be on your bucket list. There are plaques in the area, and plenty to see in this town. Go see the visitor center - great staff!. The Brown AME church, museums all impressive. The bridge itself feels like just stepping into history. GO!! read more

I cannot really provide a rating worthy of this location. The walk across the bridge envoked so many thoughts as you think about what happend here. The experience was like no other. As far as the site itself it's very clean and well mantained. The height of the bridge was pretty surprising its a tough look over depending on your sensitivity to height. It was a quick ride from Montgomery AL. We also made it to the museum it took probably 3 hours total it's a nice trip for a sunny day. I will defiently be back. read more

Edmund Pettus Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Selma, Alabama

This is an excellent piece of history and very interesting. I was just going to drive the route from Selma to Montgomery, but the National Park Service has a very nice interpretive center (along US 80), so I stopped there and watched a movie about the 1965 March. I learned SO much, picked up pamphlets, then went back into Selma to see all the historic places. It was something really great to do, and I highly recommend it. The National Park Service is one of our greatest assets and I am so appreciative of how they educate people. When I finished all the places I wanted to see in Selma (see the bridge and the church, for sure), I drove the 50-mile route to Montgomery, ending up at their beautiful Capitol building. I have a lot of photographs and explanations, so rather than posting them all, I am putting a link to my blog which describes in detail my visit to Selma. Do this, and take your kids. It's free and it's interesting and you will come away realizing exactly what the power of the people can do. For photos and description of the route: http://orwa2015.blogspot.com/2015/07/selma-to-montgomery-alabama-national.html read more

The bridge itself is beautiful architecturally, but the real beauty here is the history of this small town and the mark the march on this bridge has made in civil rights history. It's real easy to find free street parking and walk leisurely across. It's a must stop/walk if you're in Selma. And be sure to check out the interpretive center across the street for a quick history lesson. read more

Just a bridge, and yet, so much more. An icon in the civil rights struggle. Still named after an enemy of democratic equality, but appropriated in the march through Selma. Wish there were more specific markers with detail ON the bridge, and a safety rail along the sidewalk, and even a side platform to more safely take pictures and stand back while mid-bridge to really take in the moment. It stands for so much; the bridge itself could use a little more care and development given its value to our country. read more

Need not rate it for any reason history of the bridge speaks for itself. But I had to give a star in order to post my comment.