Learn about
historic spots in Alabama by reading "Alabama Bound" by Charlie Spence, IFA Member and Aviation Writer. It
features a mini, but thorough tour of the destination, plus all
you'll need to know to plan your trip including getting there,
objective information on places to stay and eat, and things to
do. At the end of the article, we've provided a summary of the
contact information for your easy reference. Enjoy!
Alabama Bound
by
Charlie Spence, Aviation Writer and IFA Member
'Alabama Bound'
had been a traditional song in the South for years and in 1924
lyricist Bud Green and composer Ray Henderson made the thought into
'Alabamy Bound,' a ragtime tune that became a standard in vaudeville
and to this day invites visitors to this hospitable state. And, one of
the best places to start your visit is Tuskegee, Montgomery, and the
surrounding area where you can step back into a hundred years of
history and view the links with the past, the core of the Civil Rights
movement, and modern life.
The Tuskegee
Airmen trained at Moton Field where you will find exhibits, historic
buildings, audio-visual programs, and guided walks to let you step
back in time to this Tuskegee experience. In July 1941, a program
began to train black Americans as pilots in the army air corps.
Tuskegee was the home of Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University.
The men received their ground school training at the Institute's
Division of Aeronautics and basic flight training at Moton Field, then
moved on to nearby Tuskegee Army Field. In all, 992 men graduated from
training at Tuskegee, 450 of whom went into combat. Approximately 150
lost their lives while training or in combat.
These men'who
fought a war on two fronts, one against the Nazis and one against
racism'distinguished themselves in combat. They flew more than 15,000
sorties, destroyed more than 1000 German aircraft, and earned 744 air
medals and more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. Plan to spend
plenty of time at the Daniel 'Chappie' James Aerospace Center to learn
much more about the legendary airmen.
You will find
fascinating history at the institute, which began as a normal school
where Booker T. Washington became the first principal. He later hired
individuals like George W. Carver to help develop the institute to its
world-renowned status. You will see the legacy of these men preserved
in the historic campus district where original buildings, built by the
students and faculty, still stand. Visit 'The Oaks,' the home of
Booker T. Washington. Check out the amazing works of George W. Carver,
the pioneering scientist at the nearby George Carver Museum.

'The Oaks' Home of Booker T. Washington.
Photo courtesy of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel
A visit to the
Tuskegee area sets the stage for traveling back in history to
experience firsthand the life and landscape of an era when slavery was
a part of the fabric of American Life and a setting for achievements
of African-Americans in later years. Tuskegee was the home of Rosa
Parks, the 'Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,' before she moved to
Montgomery. Alice Coachman, the first black woman to win an Olympic
gold medal made her home in Tuskegee. She went on to win 34 national
titles in track and field.
This area of
'Alabamy' has much more than history. The Tuskegee National Forest
covers 11,054 acres giving nature lovers a variety of options. The
Bertram National Recreation Trail offers hiking through an 8.5-mile
trail of secluded woodland. You can enjoy 14 miles of horse trails.
Visit a replica of Booker T. Washington's boyhood cabin.
Now drive over to
Montgomery, just a short distance west of Tuskegee. From Civil War to
Civil Rights, Montgomery has played important roles and today combines
the qualities of the Old South with the vibrancy of the twenty first
century. Montgomery has the only state capitol that is designated a
national historic landmark. It is the place where Jefferson Davis took
the oath of office as the president of the Confederate States of
America.
In one day you
can cover a lot of the city and personally experience where many
events that you've read about actually occurred. Start the day at the
Alabama Department of Archives and History. At this free museum you
will see artifact collections documenting Alabama history from early
Indians to Civil Rights. You might be tempted to stay and enjoy the
two hands-on galleries''Grandmas Attic' and 'Discovery Boxes''but much
of the city awaits your discovery.
Still in the
Civil War mode, take a tour of the first Confederate White House, the
home of Jefferson Davis. Open Monday through Friday, the admission is
free and you will see period furnishings and many of Davis' personal
belongings.
Walk in the
footsteps of achievement by African-Americans in this birthplace of
the Civil Rights movement. Visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial,
which was the first pulpit of Martin Luther King, Jr. The church was
the center of the bus boycott. Here you will see a mural depicting
King's civil rights crusade from Montgomery to Memphis.

Dexter Avenue King Memorial'the first pulpit of Dr. Martin Luther King
Photo courtesy of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel
Plan at least two
hours to enjoy Old Alabama Town. Stretching six blocks along the heart
of historic downtown Montgomery, you will see a collection of
authentically restored 19th and 20th century
structures. These structures reflect the lives of the people who
settled central Alabama. The Gallagher House was Old Town's first
restoration. It stands on the original site of the original building
and includes kitchens and slave quarters. For contrast, go over to
Lucas Tavern. Originally located east of Montgomery, Lucas Tavern was
a stage stop for travelers. An admission is charged but senior and AAA
discounts are honored. Best way to get around the downtown area to the
tour spots and to avoid the parking hassle is on the unique trolley
system. A $1.00 pass lets you use the system all day.
Now, let's start
looking for some relaxation from our historic travels. A good segue is
a visit to the Hank Williams Museum on Commerce Street to see the
singer's 1952 Cadillac, saddle, guitars, records, and photos. For old
time Rock 'n
Roll try Carrera's where they have live bands every weekend, or drop
in at the Metro on Dexter Street. Metro is a mid-size night dance club
with a French theme. The Montgomery Brewing Company'The Brewpub to
locals'offers good food and features live entertainment Friday and
Saturday evenings.
From history to
high times, from grits to gourmet, a visit here will reward you being
Alabamy Bound.
Details
Getting
There
Tuskegee Moton Field has a single asphalt runway 13/31, 5003 x
100 feet with VOR/DME and GPS approaches. FBO is Air Tuskegee.
Parking fee: $5 overnight fee waived if fuel is purchased.
Rental car
offices are not available on the airport but call ahead to Air
Tuskegee, 334-724-0602 and they will arrange for a car to
be available.
Where to
Stay
Accommodations are best found in Montgomery where you have a
wide choice and range of prices found in any metropolitan area.
Several bed and breakfast facilities are available. A few
suggestions:
-
Baymont Inn and Suites--$56 - $119
-
Courtyard by Marriott--$69 - $117
-
Diplomat Inn -- $34 - $42
-
Residence Inn by Marriott--$75 - $145
-
Colonel's Rest B&B--$60 and up
-
Sweetnin' House B&B--$95 - $105
IFA’s Travel Access Discount Program serves up deeper discounts on hotels, car rentals, flights, and activities all over the world. Most of our travel deals are not available to the public, which means rates are much lower than what the average consumer can find online. Click here to start accessing for free today.
Notice: This
information is current as of February 2004. It is recommended that you
contact the numbers, and/or visit the websites above to determine any
changes to the information.
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