Kelly Ingram Park

A Place of History & Reflection

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, Kelly Ingram Park spans 4 acres bounded by 16th and 17th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues North in the Birmingham Civil Rights District. While it began life as West Park, it took on a new identity in 1932, renamed to honor Osmond Kelly Ingram, the first American sailor to lose his life in World War I.

But it's the park's role in the Civil Rights Movement that defines its place in American history. This unassuming green space became ground zero for pivotal demonstrations in the 1960s. In May 1963, these grounds witnessed one of the movement's most shocking moments when Birmingham police and firefighters, following orders from Public Safety Commissioner Eugene "Bull" Connor, turned police dogs and high-pressure fire hoses against peaceful protesters - many of them just children.

Wide diagonal pathways cross the park

Photo: Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0)

Walking Through History

In 1992, the park underwent a transformation, being renovated and rededicated as "A Place of Revolution and Reconciliation."

Today, the park is an open-air memorial with sculptures that do more than commemorate history - they evoke powerful emotions. A central fountain provides a peaceful counterpoint to the powerful artworks across the grounds, including a dignified statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Perhaps most moving are the three installations created by artist James Drake along the park's circular "Freedom Walk."

These sculptures depict history in an immersive way, bringing you face-to-face with the terror and sorrow of those 1963 confrontations. It's worth remembering that photographs of these very events, broadcast around the world, helped awaken the nation's conscience to the struggle for racial equality.

A limestone sculpture by Raymond Kaskey shows three kneeling ministers

Photo: Ron Cogswell (CC BY 2.0)

Monuments That Move You

As you explore further, you'll encounter the "Four Spirits" sculpture by Elizabeth MacQueen, a heartbreaking yet beautiful tribute to the four young girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Additional monuments honor other civil rights figures and the countless "foot soldiers" who risked everything for the movement.

Throughout the park, interpretive signs provide context and background. Each monument includes informational plaques, and you can access an audio tour by phone if you want to deepen your understanding of what you're seeing.

The craftsmanship of these sculptures is remarkable - lifelike and deeply evocative. Walking through the park can be a moving experience, as the artworks connect you emotionally to this difficult chapter of American history.

This sculpture depicts three leashed police dogs leaping from walls along the path

Photo: Ron Cogswell (CC BY 2.0)

Practical Information

The park is fully paved and wheelchair accessible, making it navigable for everyone. It's well-maintained, with benches placed throughout when you need a moment to sit and reflect.

Note that there are no restrooms or playground equipment within the park itself. There are plenty of shaded areas and paved walking paths, and while there are no designated picnic tables, the open grassy areas make for a nice spot to sit for a while. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed, but remember to bring supplies to clean up after them.

Foot Soldier monument depicts police confrontation during civil rights protests

Photo: Adam Jones (CC BY 2.0)

Part of Something Bigger

Kelly Ingram Park sits across from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, making it a central element of Birmingham's Civil Rights District.

Recognized for its historical importance, the park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is included in the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, established in 2017.

For the most meaningful experience, consider exploring the park as part of a broader visit to the Civil Rights District. Many visitors find that taking a guided tour helps them fully appreciate the profound historical significance of this powerful space.