Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Trail

The downfall of segregation in the U.S. was the result of local efforts in cities across the country. In Louisville, activism centered on the 4th Street shopping district, which is highlighted on the 1.5-hr Downtown Civil Rights Trail walking tour.

Begin your walk at the Louisville Visitor Center, where you can review the locations of each point of interest. From there, head south along S. 4th Street to spot bronze markers highlighting 11 key sites in the fight for civil rights, including former stores, restaurants, theaters, and a hotel.

Through peaceful protests and sit-in demonstrations, Louisville’s young freedom fighters achieved their goal. First, individual businesses agreed to desegregate. Then, a citywide ordinance made it unlawful to refuse service based on race—the first such law in the South.

Accessibility: Downtown Louisville’s sidewalks are ADA-accessible.