Did you know? Fredericksburg — just an hour from Richmond — played an important role in the fight for civil rights.
The Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail shares the powerful stories of Black residents who stood up for equality and helped shape the city’s history.
Launched in 2023, the trail is a collaboration between the City of Fredericksburg, the University of Mary Washington’s James Farmer Multicultural Center, and UMW faculty + students.
📰 Historical highlights
The trail takes visitors to landmarks highlighting Fredericksburg’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
One stop marks the city as the starting point of the 1961 Freedom Rides — a journey that challenged segregation in the South. Today, a special marker honors those who took that brave stand.
Another key stop tells the story of Walker-Grant High School, where, in 1950, a group of students protested for equality. Their actions became a turning point in Fredericksburg’s civil rights movement, and the school stands as a symbol of their resilience.
📍 How to explore the trail
Start at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, where you can grab a trail map.
The first part of the trail is a 2.6-mile walking tour through Fredericksburg’s historic downtown.
The second part of the trail starts at the University of Mary Washington’s campus, where you can explore stops like Shiloh Cemetery and the Dorothy Hart Community Center. This section is a mix of 0.5 miles of walking and 1.9 miles of driving.
🚙 Where to park
Short-term parking is available next to the Visitor Center, with additional parking two blocks away at the Sophia Street Parking Garage.
Curious to learn more? Listen to the online audio map to uncover more stories of influential people and places that made history.
