Tennessee Civil Rights Trail Hero

Tennessee Civil Rights Trail

U.S. Civil Rights Trail Logo

The US Civil Rights Trail

is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks that played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1950s and 1960s.

To explore the Tennessee Civil Rights Trail: Listen to the Civil Rights Trail history podcast, plan your Civil Rights road trip, or get your digital passport below.

TN Civil Rights Trail Passport

Visit the 15 Tennessee stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Each site tells the stories of brave individuals who strove to secure their American civil rights. Download the brochure or get the digital passport below for more information.

Download Brochure
 
 
 
Tennessee Civil Rights Trail Podcast

Be inspired by real stories of people who lived during some of the most significant moments of the Civil Rights Movement to occur in Tennessee. Listen below to learn about what took place, who made a difference, and why it is still relevant today.

podcast cover image

S1 : E0 TENNESSEE CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL TRAILER

S1 : E1 MEMPHIS' CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACY

S1 : E2 Nashville's CIVIL RIGHTS LEGACY

S1 : E3 Tennessee: The Clinton 12

Wood paneling background
Discover a piece of the past.

Civil Rights Road Trip:
Plan your visit with these Civil Rights Trail travel guides and itineraries.

Lorraine Motel - Credit Josh Ness
History

Your Memphis to Nashville Stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail

The significant impact Memphis and Nashville had on the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s can be learned when traveling along the U.

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Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library
History

Your Nashville to Clinton Stops Along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Explore Nashville’s role in the Civil Rights Movement by spending some time visiting the officially-designated stops in the city on the U.

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Green-McAdoo-Cultural-Center_Clinton-Tennessee
History

Explore African American History in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to famous African American writers, music legends, and talented photographers. Learn their stories within our borders.

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TN Civil Rights Trail Locations

From Memphis to Nashville to Clinton—explore the churches, courthouses, schools, museums, and other Tennessee landmarks on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

Main Gallery of Withers Collection Museum and Gallery
Memphis

Withers Collection Museum and Gallery

The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery features the amazing historical photographs of the world-renowned photojournalist, Dr. Ernest C. Withers, covering Civil Rights, Music, Sports and Memphis Life Style.

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Clayborn Temple
Memphis

Clayborn Temple/I AM A MAN Plaza

Beale Street
Memphis

Beale Street Historic District

The music and entertainment pulse of downtown Memphis, Beale Street at the turn of the 20th century served as a haven for African Americans migrating from small towns.

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Mason Temple Church of God in Christ
Memphis

Mason Temple Church of God in Christ

National Civil Rights Museum
Memphis

National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum chronicles the Civil Rights Movement from slavery to present-day human rights movements. 

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WDIA radio station in Memphis TN
Memphis

WDIA Radio

Stax Museum Exhibit Hall of Records
Memphis

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Soul Music Museum

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Civil Rights Room, Nashville Public Library
Nashville

Civil Rights Room

Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

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Clark Church Nashville
Nashville

Clark Memorial United Methodist Church

Clark Memorial United Methodist Church

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Concrete walls with images of Nashville Civil Rights activists. On right is a cylinder surrounded by grill that LED light fixture shine through at night . Cylinder is covered by a slant-top mirror.
Nashville

Witness Walls

Nashville's Civil Rights-inspired public artwork

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Fisk
Nashville

Fisk University Galleries

Griggs Hall at American Baptist College
Nashville

Griggs Hall at American Baptist College

Woolworth Theatre
Nashville

Woolworth Theatre

Woolworth Theatre

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NMAAM Image
Nashville

National Museum of African American Music

National Museum of African American Music

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Green McAdoo
Clinton

Clinton 12 Statue

Learn Black history and hear the story about Tennessee's most notable desegregation efforts at Green McAdoo Cultural Center.

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