Edmund Pettus Bridge | Selma

Information

Landmark: Edmund Pettus Bridge
City: Selma
Country: USA Alabama
Continent: North America

Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, USA Alabama, North America

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a steel truss bridge spanning the Alabama River in Selma, Alabama, USA.

It is a significant site in American civil rights history.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is constructed of steel, with a distinctive red-brown coloration from its painted steel trusses. It features a series of parallel chords and diagonal members forming its structure. The deck is asphalt-paved and carries vehicular traffic. The bridge has a total length of 1,960 feet (597 meters) and a clearance of 55 feet (17 meters) above the river at its highest point.

Location & Access Logistics

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is located at the eastern terminus of Broad Street in Selma, Alabama. It is approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) east of the Selma city center. Vehicle access is via US Highway 80 (Broad Street). Parking is available in designated lots near the bridge's eastern and western approaches, particularly in the downtown Selma area. Public transportation options are limited; local bus routes may serve the downtown area, requiring a walk to the bridge.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Edmund Pettus Bridge began in 1939 and was completed in 1940. It was built by the Alabama State Highway Department. Its original purpose was to facilitate transportation and commerce across the Alabama River. The bridge's design is characteristic of early 20th-century steel truss bridge construction.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking or cycling across the bridge provides views of the Alabama River. The bridge is a focal point for commemorative events related to the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors can observe the bridge's structural elements and its historical markers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The bridge itself has no dedicated amenities. Sidewalks are present for pedestrian access. Restrooms and food vendors are located in the nearby downtown Selma area. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal illumination of the bridge's structure. Weather is generally most favorable for outdoor visits between April and October. No specific tide requirements affect access to the bridge.

Facts & Legends

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is most famously known as the site of "Bloody Sunday" on March 7, 1965, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement where peaceful marchers were brutally attacked by state troopers. The bridge was renamed from the Pettus Bridge to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1949.