The Ben Moore Hotel was built in 1945 and opened its doors to African-Americans soon after. It would become the site of historic meetings between representatives of the black and white populations of Montgomery during the dawn of the Civil Rights era.The four-story Ben Moore Hotel offered food & lodging, a safe place for meetings, and a vibrant social life free from the bigotry and hostilities of the racism of the 1940s, ‘50s and ’60s.
An evocative barbershop remains intact, full of Civil Rights-era news clippings, pictures and portraits, including one of its most famous customers, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was there he received one of his final haircuts.
The Dexter Avenue Church Parsonage, where he lived for many years, is just yards away.
Today, except for the barbershop, the hotel is vacant.
902 High Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Email: thebenmoorehotel@gmail.com
Hotel not currently open for tours.
Tours of the Barber Shop by appointment only.
