Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation
— Trail to Freedom —
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
1. Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation Marker
-James Farmer, Co-Founder and Director of the Congress for Racial Equality (CORE)
Building on the principles of nonviolent civil resistance already in use for sit-ins and bus boycotts across the nation, the Freedom Rides sought to force states throughout the south to recognize the 1946 and 1960 Supreme Court rulings banning segregated interstate travel. James Farmer, through CORE, planned a nonviolent test of the law. Interracial groups would ride Greyhound and Trailways buses from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans. On May 4, 1961, the Fredericksburg bus depot became the Freedom Riders' first stop. They passed through without incident, but in other states the activists would be met with horrifying brutality, and riders were violently attacked, beaten, and arrested. More than 400 volunteers risked their lives to challenge the racial status quo during the seven-month campaign.
Erected by Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Office.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1961.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) (here, next to this marker); A Vibrant but Segregated Community (here, next to this marker); Mount Zion Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); First Stop on 1961 Freedom Rides (a few steps from this marker); The Green Book (a few steps from this marker); 1787 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1854 / 1925 (about 400 feet away); c. 1816 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
2. Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation Marker
Fredericksburg Fire Department in background
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
3. Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation Marker
Inset photos (top middle) caption: The bus depot (above), where the Freedom Riders stopped briefly, had once been the Fredericksburg Colored School (left), built 1884. The lower windows were replaced with large picture windows. Beyond, note the Shiloh Baptist Church, New Site, adjacent to the McGuire Hotel. Image above courtesy of The Free Lance-Star.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
4. Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation Marker
Inset photos (top right) caption: Farther south, the Freedom Riders were severely beaten, without police intervening to stop the violence. In Anniston, Alabama, locals set the bus on fire.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 12, 2021
5. Freedom Riders Challenge a Nation Marker
Inset photo (lower left) caption: Freedom Riders, including James Farmer (second from left), preparing to depart from Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of The Free Lance-Star.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on September 27, 2021, by Jim Cronin of York, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 25, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
