Introduction
The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a historic education center located in Little Rock, Arkansas. It preserves the history of the 1957 desegregation crisis that took place in Little Rock Central High School. The site was designated as a National Historic Site on November 6, 1998. The school was classified as a National Historic Landmark in 1982.
History of the Site
In 1954, the United States Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education, stating that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. In 1957, this decision was tested when nine African American students attempted to enroll in Little Rock Central High School. The governor of Arkansas, Orval Faubus, used the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the students from entering the school.
Eventually, President Dwight D. Eisenhower stepped in and used federal troops to enforce the court’s order to desegregate the school. The Little Rock Nine, as the students were known, faced intense opposition and harassment from white students and community members as they attended school. The desegregation crisis is considered a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
What to See and Do at the Site
Visitors to the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site can take a self-guided tour of the school and grounds. The school still operates as a high school, so only certain areas are accessible to the public. Visitors can see the main entrance to the school, the auditorium, and the stairs where the Little Rock Nine made their historic entrance.
The site also includes a visitor center with exhibits and a bookstore. The exhibits cover the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the events that occurred at Little Rock Central High School, and the significance of the school’s role in desegregation. Visitors can watch a short film about the events of 1957, listen to audio recordings of interviews with the Little Rock Nine, and see artifacts from the crisis.
Planning Your Visit
The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is open seven days a week from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission to the site is free, but visitors must obtain a ticket from the visitor center to tour the school.
The visitor center has ample parking, and there are several nearby restaurants and hotels. The site is located in downtown Little Rock and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Conclusion
Visiting the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site is a powerful experience that provides insight into one of the most significant events in American history. It allows visitors to see the school where the Little Rock Nine were denied their civil rights and to learn about the courage and perseverance of these young students. The site also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.