Edmund Pettus Bridge

Edmund Pettus Bridge

Edmund Pettus Bridge
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksBridges
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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
4.5 of 5 bubbles342 reviews
Excellent
215
Very good
94
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
7

nicolediane
Atlanta, GA738 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 10 March 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, Canada3,646 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 28 October 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 27 April 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, FL1,988 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 26 June 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
144 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 30 May 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, GA437 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 7 May 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written 16 October 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, OR2,340 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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 13 June 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 6 March 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 18 July 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.

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EDMUND PETTUS BRIDGE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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