Pros:
- Gained a much deeper understanding of Civil Rights history.
- Visited remarkable sites, including the 16th Street Baptist Church, the hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. stayed and worked, and Birmingham’s distinctive Civil Rights park and heritage trail.
Cons:
- The weather was poor and unpredictable.
- I was disappointed that I had not previously known more of this history.
I was unsure what to expect from the Civil Rights walk and did not complete the entire route because the round trip was about six miles. I would like to return in autumn, when the weather is cooler, and allow more than one day to experience it fully.
Birmingham, AL: May 21–24, 2026
We were off to Birmingham, Alabama, affectionately known as “The Magic City.” Founded in 1871, Birmingham quickly became a major steel and mining center and now anchors Alabama’s largest metropolitan area. Today, it is a diverse modern city shaped by medical biotechnology, banking, and significant cultural landmarks.
This was our longest Amtrak coach ride, and we were back aboard the Crescent—my least favorite route. Still, the trip was comfortable, and the eight hours passed quickly. Crossing the 3.8-mile trestle bridge over Lake Pontchartrain was fascinating, although I could not help thinking about what might happen if the train derailed. We arrived at Home2 Suites around 5:15 p.m. I was too tired to go out for dinner, so I used my daily credit at the hotel restaurant and enjoyed an excellent salmon meal.
Friday, May 22, 2026
The morning was gloomy, with heavy rain forecast for the afternoon, so Baxter and I stayed near the hotel after breakfast. We walked around the area, saw a few historic sites, and stopped at Publix for rotisserie chicken, vegetables, and salad. Back at the hotel, the weather remained humid and overcast but dry. I started the laundry and relaxed by the pool while it washed. Once the clothes were in the dryer, I returned upstairs, changed, and took Baxter for a walk. It was a welcome day to unwind before better weather arrived on Saturday.
The evening became more eventful when a tornado watch escalated to a warning. Everyone gathered in a windowless corridor near the lobby. Before going downstairs, I photographed the approaching storm from our room. Praise the Lord, we remained safe. Heavy rain and strong winds briefly knocked out the electricity, but it returned after about 10 minutes. God truly watched over us.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Because the sky remained cloudy and the weather could change quickly, I wanted to stay near the hotel. We focused on two places that reflected Birmingham’s industrial heritage and central role in the Civil Rights Movement:
- Vulcan Park and Museum: Home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue, overlooking Birmingham’s downtown skyline.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail: A self-guided downtown route following the footsteps and historic march paths of the 1963 Birmingham Campaign. Historical markers, powerful photographs, and detailed narratives honor the everyday citizens and spiritual leaders who challenged
I took many more photographs than I posted. The Civil Rights walk was deeply emotional and difficult. I learned history that had not been taught in the Catholic schools I attended in Connecticut, and some of what I discovered appalled me. Several photographs and accounts felt too painful or graphic to share online. This visit was very different from the jewelry show John and I attended in Birmingham in 2016.