Common Buckeye
ParkAlabama, US
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site honors America's first African-American military aviators at their original training ground.
About
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site honors America's first African-American military aviators at their original training ground. This significant site at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, preserves the legacy of the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen who bravely served in World War II, shattering racial barriers and contributing profoundly to the Civil Rights Movement. It stands as a powerful testament to their courage, skill, and enduring fight against prejudice, both abroad and at home.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the inspiring story through detailed exhibits housed in two historic hangars. Hangar 1 features the compelling main exhibits, including a dramatic P-51 Mustang aircraft and a powerful orientation film that sets the stage for the Airmen's journey. Hangar 2 showcases the actual training aircraft, such as the bright yellow Piper J-3 Cub and the Stearman PT-17 biplane, offering a tangible connection to the early flight experiences of these trailblazing pilots.
Exploring Moton Field provides a poignant understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the Tuskegee Airmen. The site offers guided walks, historical buildings like the control tower and Skyway Club, and various interpretive displays, allowing guests to trace the path from initial training to their legendary combat achievements as the "Red Tails." It's a memorable experience that highlights a pivotal chapter in American history and the ongoing struggle for equality. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site preserves Moton Field, which was purpose-built in 1941 as the sole primary flight training facility for African-American pilot candidates in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Named after Robert Russa Moton, the second president of the Tuskegee Institute, the field's construction was funded by the Julius Rosenwald Fund. The Tuskegee Institute itself played a unique role, being one of the very few American institutions, and the only African-American institution, to own, develop, and control facilities for military flight instruction. Between 1941 and 1946, over 1,000 African-American aviators received their primary flight training at Moton Field, proving conclusively that Black individuals could fly and maintain sophisticated combat aircraft, despite widespread segregation and prejudice. Their extraordinary achievements paved the way for the full integration of the U.S. military in 1948 and were a significant catalyst for the broader Civil Rights Movement. The site was established as a unit of the National Park System and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, with the grand opening of the restored Hangar 1 occurring in 2008.
What to do here
Watch the 28-minute park film, "Tuskegee Airmen: Sacrifice and Triumph."
* Tour the museum exhibits in Hangars 1 and 2.
* Walk the outdoor grounds of Moton Field and view the historic structures.
* Participate in Junior Ranger programs (especially for families with children).
* Browse the park store for books, videos, and souvenirs.
Seasonal info
Alabama summers can be hot and humid, so staying hydrated is important for outdoor exploration. Winter offers a quieter visit with comfortable temperatures for walking the grounds. Check the park's calendar for any special events or programs throughout the year.
Accessibility
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is wheelchair accessible. Accessible bathrooms are available in both Hangar 1 and Hangar 2. The Skyway Club is accessible via a wheelchair lift. Wheelchairs are available for use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis in each hangar.
Don't miss
1
Hangar 1
The primary visitor center, featuring main exhibits, artifacts, interpretive panels, and a powerful orientation film. Don't miss the P-51 Mustang aircraft on display.
2
Hangar 2
Discover the training aircraft, including the iconic yellow Piper J-3 Cub and the Stearman PT-17 biplane, which were crucial in the Airmen's initial flight instruction.
3
Control Tower
Explore the restored control tower, offering insights into airfield operations and views over Moton Field.
4
Skyway Club
A historic clubhouse, accessible via a wheelchair lift, that provides a glimpse into the social life of the Airmen.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Start with the Film
Begin your visit in Hangar 1 by watching the orientation film to gain a comprehensive overview and context for the exhibits.
Explore Both Hangars
Don't miss Hangar 2, which houses the initial training aircraft like the Piper J-3 Cub and Stearman PT-17, providing a more hands-on understanding of their flight instruction.
Walk the Grounds
Take time to walk outside between the hangars and explore the airfield. Look for the "Ghost Structures" marked by scaffolding, which indicate where other historic buildings once stood.
Junior Ranger Program
If visiting with children, ask for a free Junior Ranger activity booklet at the front desk in Hangar 1. Completing it earns them a patch and National Park wings.
Combine with Tuskegee Institute NHS
If time permits, consider visiting the nearby Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site to learn more about the broader legacy of Booker T. Washington and the institute's role.
Accessibility First
If you require a wheelchair, note that they are available for free use at the site, and the Skyway Club has a lift.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, entrance to the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is free of charge to the public.
- Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits and watching the park film. However, those wishing to delve deeper into the displays and read all the interpretive materials might want to allocate several hours for their visit.
- The site showcases several significant aircraft related to the Tuskegee Airmen's history. In Hangar 1, you can see a P-51 Mustang, a combat aircraft flown by the Airmen. Hangar 2 features primary training aircraft such as the bright yellow Piper J-3 Cub and a Stearman PT-17 biplane, which were instrumental in teaching the cadets to fly.
Recent snaps at this place
Dec 9, 2023
i
Photo attribution
(c) allan5519, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Apr 15, 2022
i
Photo attribution
(c) runcator, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 25, 2017
i
Photo attribution
(c) Stosh Morency, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 25, 2017
i
Photo attribution
(c) Stosh Morency, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Mar 19, 2026
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