Edmund Pettus Bridge
Edmund Pettus Bridge
4.5
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Site of "Bloody Sunday" where more than 600 civil rights marchers on March 7, 1965 were attacked by state and local lawmen.
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4.5
342 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
94
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
7
nicolediane
Atlanta, GA739 contributions
Mar 2021
It was inspiring to be in Selma and at the bridge. We have seen the bridge on the news over many, many years. There is a small National Park Service office in a building on one side of the bridge. I expected a lot more. There were a few souvenirs and a little information. Really not much there considering the importance of the spot. On the other side of the bridge were some plaques for John Lewis and Hosea Williams. Voter suppression continues across the country.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlyAtNight
Brooklin, Canada3,642 contributions
Oct 2022
Selma was my next stop after seeing the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute earlier in the day. We arrived in Selma late in the day, but were at the Edmund Pettus Bridge early the next morning. It gave us time to walk back and forth over the bridge. The National Voting Rights Museum didn't open until later, but we knew that in advance. There wasn't a lot of traffic so we were able to take a number of photos of the bridge. We crossed back just in time for the Selma Interpretive Center opening, which is also a required stop. After this stop it was on our way to Montgomery and Atlanta for more important stops in the fight for civil rights. The bridge looks the same as it did on Bloody Sunday in 1965. A coat of paint would go far in improving how the bridge looks. Even more important would be some plaques installed in the area that honor the importance of this bridge in the civil rights movement.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faye S
Seattle, WA97 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Such a heartwrenching yet heartwarming memorial experience! The bridge is well preserved and so worth the visit to honor our Ancestors and all those who so courageously went through Bloody Sunday! We were able to park free right next to the bridge as we drove across to enter. That was very convenient and a pleasant surprise. We were greeted by a gentleman who had seemed to be the official.greeter! He was actually there selling t-shirts which we gladly brought to support the cause he represented. We wore our new t-shirts (John Lewis Good Trouble tshirts) which made it feel even more personal. My heart was heavy, tears fell, and I was so humbled to walk the bridge where so much blood was shed for the right of Blacks/African Americans to vote! This is history that everyone should experience and feel firsthand. The bridge was not long at all but I can only imagine that it felt like many miles as those beloved souks walked across it on Bloody Sunday. I love how the name of the bridge is easy to see and it's easy to get very good pictures on the bridge. There are a few tables and a nice little overlook to the waterfront, which is a good spot to reflect. We sat there for awhile and talked with the gentleman who shared some good history and was very warm, approachable, professional, friendly and helpful sharing info. on the area and provided good tips. He shared some history from his personal perspective that added to the experience. After we walked across the bridge and arrived at the other side, it was a wonderful surprise to be greeted by an older gentleman who was very passionately sharing via his microphone setup about the Civil Rights, Bloody Sunday, Black experience! I think he was there just because he wanted to be there but we appreciated how he represented Selma and the history that he shared with us. There were several very nice mounuments/historical sculptures that were a wonderful add to the bridge surrounding area. We liked the park entrance with the caption overhead that was there with wooden benches leading to the trail in the woods. We loved the mural on the bldg. nearby as well. Overall, the E.P. Bridge and surrounding area felt like sacred ground! It was very convenient to have the Voting Rights Museum so close to the bridge in walking distance! So worth the visit to show honor, humility and thanks for the many sacrifices. We were also very proud of the courage and live it took for those who walked across that bridge especially on Bloody Sunday! Oh, we walked to the St. James hotel near the bridge which has its own Selma history story. The host was very nice and allowed us to use their very nice, clean bathroom. It is a lovely looking gem and I was surprised that it is now a Hilton Hotel. We were thankful that our visit to the bridge allowed us to experience firsthand the feeling of sacrifice, courage, and to.put our feet where such brave people walked!
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
runner24
Orlando, FL2,084 contributions
Jun 2020
We were in Selma to photograph the bridge. It is a beautiful old design from 1940, but it does need new paint and detailing. Of course, it has a history associated with it. We had a hard time locating a clear spot along the riverbank for a full-on picture but we managed after scouting the area and receiving help from a couple of local folks with suggestions. Old Selma has many old interesting buildings that are in dire need of renovation. That, and adding a riverwalk along the river and the city could see a revival. It has potential. Our sincere hope is to see this old bridge renamed for John Lewis. I think it's time.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightseer10641657214
146 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This bridge despite being old and shabby remains very evocative of the events which took place there over 50 years ago. Walking over the bridge is an experience. Sadly we visited on a Sunday when all the other sites were closed but it was still well worth our time on our way to Montgomery. Highly recommended
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert N
Luthersville, GA448 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The memorial park at the end of the bridge is the place to visit. John Lewis, Hosea Williams and other brave souls are represented here. It could use a little more upkeep...but maybe I came at the wrong time. Moving, important spot.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KK78
Bay Shore, NY890 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Powerful to walk in the steps of so many brave men and women who stood up for their rights and paved the way for equal rights for future generations.
Unfortunately, the town of Selma is practically abandoned. The interpretation center is closed for renovations until the Fall of 2026. The Voting Rights Museum looks completely run down and closed although the website states it's open. The town is boarded up and desolate.
It's sad to see a town with so much significance in this state. I hope it can be built up again and thrive one day.
Unfortunately, the town of Selma is practically abandoned. The interpretation center is closed for renovations until the Fall of 2026. The Voting Rights Museum looks completely run down and closed although the website states it's open. The town is boarded up and desolate.
It's sad to see a town with so much significance in this state. I hope it can be built up again and thrive one day.
Written October 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,429 contributions
Jun 2021
We took the chance while staying nearby to visit the bridge and walk across and back. It is still a functioning bridge with traffic, and from what we could tell looks very much the same as it did back in 1965. We also enjoyed some pretty views over the Alabama River from the bridge. On the east side of the bridge (opposite side from where we parked) there's a small park with a few monuments to civil rights pioneers. The west side has the Selma Interpretive Center - we arrived too late in the day to visit, but did see the similar Montgomery Interpretive Center and get some informative brochures later in our trip. Overall this is an enduring monument which helps to bring you closer to history.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sydney
Saint Louis, MO210 contributions
Dec 2022
You cannot visit Selma without visiting the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It looks exactly as it did in the 1960s, so it is a powerful reminder that the fight for civil rights was not too long ago. There are sidewalks on the bridge so it is easy to walk and spend time reflecting on the March to Montgomery.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hleahh
West Hartford, CT180 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I was in Montgomery visiting the Legacy Museum and the National Peace and Justice Memorial. After they closed, I hopped in the car and drove to Selma to see this historic bridge. It’s about a 1 hour drive. I’m glad I do, because it was a poignant moment to stand where so many courageous people had marched. It was hope inspiring for us to continue to fight today.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Without stopping, it would take one less than 5 minutes in each direction. It isn't steep and there is a lot of free parking nearby. On my last trip I spent about 30 minutes in total, stopping to take a lot of pictures while crossing over and back. I went early in the morning so that there wasn't a lot of traffic so that I could stand in the middle of the road to photograph the bridge.
Written March 11, 2023
What was the name of the Edmund Pettus Bridge before it was named after him.
Written July 27, 2020
I thought it was named for Petus when built in the 1940s.
Written July 27, 2020
We followed some others to a very small cemetery outside Selma. For the life of me I cannot remember what the sweet older couple and their family told me the significance of the cemetery was. Does anyone have any idea? There was a large number of cars there. Sorry my memory is so bad.. it’s been years ago
Written August 21, 2018
You may be describing the Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma.
Here is a Review from Trip Advisor:
"This is one of the prettiest places n Selma. The huge Live Oak trees give it a very serene and peaceful atmosphere. There are Civil War area grave-sites here.
Great site for history!"
Written August 21, 2018
How long does it take to walk across Edmund Pettus Bridge?
Written May 16, 2018
If no mobility concerns it should take ten minutes back and forth but really emotional to be honest and stood on the bridge for quite some time. Also be aware there is not a lot of space on the side to walk . It's safe but the traffic can be fast so just be self aware when walking.
Written May 17, 2018
William M
Natchez, Mississippi
Is there a "pay to park" facility in downtown Selma?
Written April 5, 2017
It's all free parking. No meters or pay to park parking lots. They do have assigned parking spaces for certain restaurants or stores along Broad Street or hourly parking. If your question is in regards to the bridge, there is parking for visitors on either side of the bridge. For Selma in general, there is no pay to park facility.
Written April 5, 2017
When is the best time to go?
Me and some friends are planning to go January 2016 any help will do
Written June 27, 2015
I doubt if there is a time that wouldn't be a good time! We were there between Christmas and New Year's and had very nice weather (surprising us). Make sure you check the hours of the NPS information center there--it is just at the end of the bridge. Since the bridge is still in use, you could view it at any time. Drive from Selma to Montgomery, and make sure you stop at the center that is about midway. That is really a great stop. The people at the NPS center were great and give plenty of hints about things to do. I believe we were in Selma about four hours looking at everything, not including the drive to Montgomery.
Written July 2, 2015
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