Tennessee Adds 2 New Sites to U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Last month, Tennessee added two new sites to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, bringing the state’s total number of sites on the inter-state trail to 17. The new sites include Jefferson Street Sound Museum and Museum of Christian and Gospel Music.

The former gives visitors a glimpse into how activism and music converged during the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the time period, Jefferson Street was home to a robust music scene, highlighting a large number of Black musicians and, today, the museum still has its own music studio.

The latter likewise highlights the role of music in the Civil Rights era, celebrating past gospel musicians while also introducing visitors to today’s top artists.

“Tennessee is proud to be home to 17 sites along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. From Memphis to Nashville to Clinton, visitors can learn about the brave men and women who fought for their Civil Rights,” said Mark Ezell, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and chairman, U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance. “These destinations shine a light on the triumphant and impactful stories at historic places across the state that shaped our nation’s history.”

Tennessee was not the only state to get some new trail sites, though. Other new additions for this year include Historic Caroline County Courthouse Campus and Gloucester Museum of History, both in Virginia; Texas & Pacific Railway Depot in Louisiana; and the Jacksonville Civil Rights Trail in Florida.