Alabama: Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Before the first African American military pilots became known as the "Red Tails" they wore striped tails as they began their flight training in the Army's PT-17 Stearman bi-plane. Their flying adventure started in Tuskegee, Alabama and led them to the skies over Europe to help fight the Axis in WWII. Their story is immortalized in the National Historic Site that bears their nickname, the "Tuskegee Airmen."

• The site consists of two large aircraft hangars, with a variety of smaller structures surrounding it. The hangars are separated by a concrete tarmac. Both hangars have full length sliding doors that can be opened. Inside hangar 1 is a variety of exhibit material covering the training of the Airmen. Hangar 1 also contains two real aircraft: a PT-17 Stearman, and a Piper Cub. Hangar 2 contains 4 video sections which document the Airmen's oral histories. Hanging from the ceiling is a replica of a P-51 Mustang.

Alabama: Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

In 1881, Booker T. Washington arrived in Alabama and started building Tuskegee Institute both in reputation and literally brick by brick. He recruited the best and the brightest to come and teach here including George Washington Carver who arrived in 1896. Carver’s innovations in agriculture, especially with peanuts, expanded Tuskegee’s standing throughout the country. The story continues….

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom The Underground Railroad – the resistance to enslavement through escape and flight through the end of the civil war – refers to the efforts of enslaved African Americans to gain their freedom by escaping bondage.

Tuskegee Airmen NHS Park Bookstore

Add to your Passport Stamp collection by visiting Tuskegee Airmen NHS's bookstore.

• A side room located in the east portion of Hangar 2. The store contains a variety of books, gifts, and educational material placed on shelves. A replica of an orange fuel pump sits next to a short, square ,vintage Coca-Cola refrigerator.

Tuskegee Airmen NHS- Hangar 1

• Inside hangar 1 is a variety of exhibit material covering the training of the Airmen. Hangar 1 also contains two real aircraft: a PT-17 Stearman, and a Piper Cub. Rooms along the side recreate the Army offices and house items such as desks, paperwork and other equipment critical to the success of Moton Field.

Tuskegee Airmen NHS Visitor Center

• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Visitor Center
• The Hangar #1 Museum houses the Visitor Center and is open Monday-Saturday. Step inside the Orientation Room and be taken back to the 1940s through a re-creation of some of the sights and sounds of Moton Field. A 4-minute video that introduces the visitor to the Tuskegee Airmen. Here visitors can pick up a copy of the Park brochure and other printed materials including a JR. Ranger booklet.

• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Hangar 1
• Hangar 1 is the starting point for the indoor museums. It focuses on the training of the cadets and the involvement of the Tuskegee Institute.

• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Hangar 2
• Hangar 2 focus on the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen themselves. The four pods feature videos highlighting different aspects of the Airmen and their fight for a Double Victory, both at home and abroad.

• Tuskegee Airmen NHS Outdoor Activities
• The Scenic Overlook is available for picnicking, relaxing, reflecting, and walking. From there you will enjoy a great view of the Historic Core where original buildings from the 1940's tell stories of times gone by. 20 Wayside Exhibits are strategically placed throughout the site that allow you to take a leisurely stroll through Tuskegee Airmen history while you collect tidbits of interesting facts and trivia along the way.