Updates on the Montevallo African American Heritage Trail!

It’s coming soon…

The MLP and the Montevallo Historic Preservation Commission have been hard at work researching and developing the Montevallo African American Heritage Trail!

The map above offers a sneak peek into the easily walkable Montevallo Main Street Mile. This route extends from the historic "little school" site across from Montevallo Elementary School, through downtown, and south to Dailey Park and the Selma Road Business District.

Officially adopted by the city of Montevallo in August 2022, the Trail features markers, plaques, signage, and digital resources that celebrate significant sites of Black history and culture in and around Montevallo, Alabama. This initiative aims to provide a fuller, more richly textured local history, serving as a lasting legacy for young people and future generations.

Stay tuned for further updates on the trail through our newsletters, website, and monthly column in the “Chamber Chatter.”

Don’t miss out on our newly updated African American Heritage Trail page, which now includes an exciting Digital Map! This map not only projects the future of the trail but also provides deeper historical context about Montevallo’s African American heritage.

Led by James Salter of the Montevallo Historic Preservation Commission, the city has ordered plaques for three sites: Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Ward Chapel AME Church, and Mason Hall.

A larger two-sided marker has been ordered for the corner of Island Street and Bloch Alley. This area was once the hub of a closely-knit Black neighborhood known as Jacksonville.

Keep an eye on our newsletter for further updates regarding the unveiling.