Little Rock Central High School
A visit to the Little Rock Central High School will leave an indelible impression. A colossal Gothic Revival structure, it was dubbed “the most beautiful high school building in America” when it was built in 1927. Thirty years later it became embroiled in a civil rights battle when nine African-American students, now known as the Little Rock Nine, fought to enroll in the (then) all-white Central High. After a bitter fight, the students entered the school under military escort. The first real application of Brown v. the Board of Education (1954), their courageous actions paved the way for the desegregation of America’s public schools.
Inscribed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, Little Rock Central High School was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and is still an operational high school today. Tours inside of the school are only offered when school is in session, but you can walk around the exterior at any time and the displays and videos in the visitors center are both informative and deeply moving. Also part of this National Park site is the restored Magnolia Mobil Service Station that was built around the same time as the high school.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Little Rock Nine on Encyclopedia of Arkansas
The Little Rock Nine, National Park Service
Nine From Little Rock, 1964
visit the Little Rock central high school
2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202
Visitors Center 0pen daily 9:00 am. – 4:30 pm.
Guided tours of the Little Rock High School are offered on a limited basis and by reservation only. More info here.
Admission free.
More info
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
501-374-1957
Little Rock Central High School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 1977
Little Rock Central High School was designated a National Historic Landmark, 1982
Little Rock Central High School was first published on bonniealberts.com on August 5, 2020.
She Creations From Little Rock
Learn More
She Studios is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, among other affiliate programs, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other websites. As an Amazon Associate She earns from qualifying purchases.