Explore Anniston’s Civil Rights History – US Civil Rights Trail
United States Civil Rights Trail Logo United States Civil Rights Trail Logo

Discover the U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

    Anniston

    Freedom Riders Shed Light on South’s Refusal to Desegregate

    On May 14, 1961, seven courageous members of the Congress of Racial Equality, which initiated the Freedom Rides, boarded an interstate Greyhound bus in Atlanta to challenge segregation in bus seating. In 1960, the United States Supreme Court had ruled in Boynton v. Virginia that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. Despite this decision, many cities and states in the South continued to operate segregated buses. Upon arriving in Anniston, Alabama, the bus from Atlanta was met by an angry mob that broke the bus windows and slashed the tires. The police stepped in, and the bus was able to continue to Birmingham, but the mob followed. When the bus driver had to stop outside of Anniston because of the damaged tires, the mob set the bus on fire and attempted to trap the passengers inside. With the help of Highway Patrol officers, the passengers escaped but were violently attacked as they exited. Fortunately, no one was killed in the attack, but Ku Klux Klan members continued to harass the Freedom Riders along their journey. These clashes brought national attention to the South’s refusal to follow the Supreme Court’s decision, and the Freedom Riders became emblems of courage and determination.

    PRE-PLANNED ITINERARY

    When you’re ready to experience the history of the United States Civil Rights Trail firsthand, download a state itinerary. These guides have information about the sites you can visit in each state as well as directions and other useful tools to help you successfully plan your trip.

    VIEW PDF

    Nearby Destinations

    Itinerary
    Interactive Map
    Search

    This site is best experienced in portrait orientation.
    Please rotate your device

    United States Civil Rights Trail Logo