Explore and discover the history and contributions of Mobile's African-American community on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail.
More than 40 stops illustrate the long and varied history of the people and events that have impacted Mobile's history. Stops include Hank Aaron's playground, a slave market, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and Africatown.
Mobile's history is a crazy-quilt of cultural influences. French, Spanish, British, Creole, Catholic, Greek, and African. Each has played its part in making Mobile, AL a colorful, wonderful place to visit and live.
Dora Franklin Finley (1952-2012), a native of Mobile, was active in the community throughout her life. After 30 years of success in corporate America, she focused even more on the community. Finley volunteered through her church and was very active in various community associations. In 2006 she helped to establish Mobile's African American Heritage Trail.
The trail focuses on the contributions and history of African-Americans through both driving and walking tours. Docents well-versed in Mobile history lead the guided tours. Their knowledge and passion bring the stories to life.
You can tour the African-American Heritage Trail in a variety of ways:
Step-on Bus Tour
Tour with a group on a private bus with a guide to narrate.
Downtown Walking Tours
Meet with your guide in Cathedral Square at the corner of Claiborne and Dauphin Streets.
Self-Guided Tours
Tour the trail at your own pace and time for free! Detailed maps and narration are available from the African-American Heritage Trail website:
www.maaht.org.
