Birmingham Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Birmingham

Birmingham is Alabama's biggest city and dates back to 1871, making it a Reconstruction-era city. Although initially formed from agricultural communities, the city quickly became a central railroad and industrial hub, with the iron and steel industries accounting for much of the local workforce.

Irish and Italian immigrants, as well as African Americans, made up most of this early workforce. During the early 20th century, Birmingham was often compared to Pittsburgh because of the amount of steel production. The Civil Rights Movement opened up a wealth of new opportunities for the Black community in Birmingham. Today, education, telecommunications, insurance, and banking are some of the largest industries in the city.

This city is filled with monuments and memorials honoring the Civil Rights Movement. Some of these landmarks include Kelly Ingram Park and The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 16th Street Baptist Church, a prominent Black church that also played a key role during the Civil Rights Movement, is one of the most important historical congregations in the city, along with Cathedral Church of the Advent and Cathedral of St. Paul.

The museums you'll want to put on your list include The Birmingham Museum of Art and The Negro Southern League Museum. Stop by the Alabama Theatre for a bit of 1930s nostalgia or Railroad Park to savor one of the city's most extensive green spaces.

Take this self-guided walking tour to explore some of Birmingham's most popular sights.