The City of Fredericksburg in partnership with the University of Mary Washington’s James Farmer Multicultural Center is unveiling the City of Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail “Freedom, a Work in Progress”.

This new trail that will take visitors on a path to understand what happened in Fredericksburg, Virginia from a Civil Rights perspective starting in 1865 to present day.

Learn about the 13 Freedom Riders who’s first stop was in Fredericksburg. Hear about the role of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) and Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) in the Civil Rights Movement.

Hear stories from Fredericksburg’s community about desegregating local schools, the University of Mary Washington and the Sit-In movement. Learn about John Washington who escaped to freedom across the Rappahannock River to the Union Army.

Visit Dr. James Farmer’s memorial at the University of Mary Washington, one of the big six in the Civil Rights Movement. Hear the story of the Walker-Grant High School graduating Class of 1950 and why they protested the City of Fredericksburg. Learn about Urbane Bass and his heroic efforts in World War I.