Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Park- America’s First Black Pilots

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Park honors the brave black men and women who served or supported the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots (both fighter and bomber) and airmen who fought two wars: World War II and segregation in America. Their legacy is honored at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama.

It’s amazing to look out on Moton Airfield and think that just 75 years later people could not fly a plane because of their skin color. The Tuskegee Airmen helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement (in the 1950s and 1960s) and helped us gain our first black president, President Barrack Obama.

America still has a shit ton to do in means of equality, but this site helps to celebrate some of the success we have had.

Table of Contents

Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen?

The Tuskegee Airmen banded together to form the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Armed Forces. This title also includes the navigators, instructors, mechanics, crew chiefs, cooks, nurses, and other support personnel who backed the pilots.

All of the black military pilots were educated at the Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University). The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the US Armed Forces.

What Adversity Did they Face?

During World War II, black Americans were still discriminated against thanks to the Jim Crow Laws. These laws enforced racial segregation in all public facilities throughout the South.

When WWII broke out, several black Americans wanted to join the fight but were shot down based on their skin color. It was thought that African Americans lacked the intelligence needed to become pilots.

In 1939, Congress passed an amendment that delegated funds for the training of African American pilots. However, with segregation laws still in place, they would need to occupy and support their own military base.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, a firm believer in civil rights, flew with C. Alfred “Chief” Anderson (one of the Tuskegee Airmen) in 1941. After a 30-minute flight, she announced, “Well, you can fly all right!”

Mrs. Roosevelt helped secure a loan to build Moton Field, the current site of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.

The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most prestigious pilots during World War II.

Cementing a Legacy: The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Moton Field was established as a National Historic Site in November of 1998. Hangar One has been restored and Hangar Two has been re-built to showcase relics from the Red Tails.

We were amazed by how kid-friendly this site was. The kids were able to touch the airmen’s uniforms and listen to information on telephones. They crawled into a “cockpit” and pretended to fly and got to pretend to land planes with a light.

It was an excellent place to foster creativity and step into the footsteps of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Plan Your Visit to the Tuskegee National Historic Site

Physical Address:

1616 Chappie James Ave.
Tuskegee, AL 36083

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST

The park is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Admission:

Free

The Top 5 Things to do at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Browse the artifacts in the museum housed in the two airplane hangars at Moton Field.
Participate in the Junior Ranger Program
Join in on a Ranger Talk
Gaze out from the overlook
Check out the 20 interpretive panels outside.

Things to Know Before Visiting Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

The Best Time to Visit Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Since most of the exhibits are inside, there isn’t a bad time to visit the park. We visited in the rain, and it was still pleasant.

The best weather is in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity.

Entrance Fees

There is no entrance fee to visit this park!

Cell Service

We had great cell service during our visit to the park.

Parking

Parking is located near the overlook to Moton Field, located just off the main road. There is handicapped parking available directly in front of Hanger 2.

Pet Policy

We brought the Adventure Pups with us to the Tuskegee National Historic Site. Who says pooches can’t appreciate history? Pets are allowed in the Historic Core and Overlook areas of the park but not inside the buildings. They must remain on a leash at all times. And please, clean up after your pets.

Parks Near Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site- 4 miles
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail- 39 miles
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park- 44 miles
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site- 96 miles
Andersonville National Historic Site- 104 miles
Gulf Islands National Seashore- 217 miles

Distance from Major Cities

Atlanta, GA – 124 miles
Birmingham, AL – 130 miles
Nashville, TN – 320 miles
Jacksonville, FL – 334 miles
New Orleans, LA – 348 miles
Charlotte, NC – 369 miles
Memphis, TN – 373 miles
Orlando, FL – 426 miles
Tampa, FL – 444 miles

Distance from Nearby National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 290 miles
Congaree National Park – 348 miles
Mammoth Cave National Park – 413 miles
New River Gorge National Park – 575 miles
Everglades National Park – 643 miles
Biscayne National Park – 684 miles

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

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Browse the Ulitmate National Park Bucket List. Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.

While we were in the area, we also visited Auburn University, Providence Canyon State Park, and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park.

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