In 1961, a small interracial band of “Freedom Riders” challenged discriminatory laws requiring separation of the races in interstate travel. They were attacked by white segregationists, who firebombed the bus. Images of the attack appeared in hundreds of newspapers, shocking the American public and spurring the Federal Government to issue regulations banning segregation in interstate travel.
Take a walking tour of the Freedom Riders Civil Rights Heritage Trail, taking in the historic murals, and find out the major role Calhoun County, Alabama played during the Civil Rights movement. Murals in the alleyways of the old Greyhound and Trailways Bus stations depict scenes from when the Freedom Riders were attacked here on May 11, 1961. Freedom Riders Park under development. Alleyway of Greyhound Bus Station: Site of first attack. Near 1031 Gurnee Ave.; Alleyway of Trailways Bus Station: Site of second attack. Near 1018 Noble St.
1031 Gurnee Ave. & 1018 Noble St.
Anniston, AL 36201