Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Parking area is above the tent area

In 1957, Little Rock Central High School was the epicenter of confrontation and a catalyst for change as the fundamental test for the United States to enforce African American civil rights following Brown v. Board of Education. Learn how the sacrifice and struggle endured by the Little Rock Nine have provided opportunities and opened doors for those seeking equality and education around the world.

Steps lead down to tent and table area. Overlooks a beautiful ravine

Commemorative Garden

Spend some time in thought in the park's commemorative garden

Elizabeth Eckford Bench

Images of the Little Rock Nine’s persistence and Elizabeth’s brave walk through the mob to the sanctuary of the bench captured their enduring legacy of “moral courage” that has inspired others around

Magnolia Mobil Gas Station

The Magnolia Mobil Gas Station, the de facto media headquarters during the 1957 desegregation crisis.

Little Rock Central High School Visitor Center

Exhibits, films, restrooms and a bookstore are located in the National Park Visitor Center.

Little Rock Central High School

Little Rock Central High School has been a public school since opening in 1927.

The Little Rock Nine

In September 1957, Little Rock Central High School became a symbol for change and a catalyst for transformation in the civil rights movement as the first fundamental test to the United States’ resolve to enforce African-American civil rights in the face

RecAreaDirections

From I-630, take Exit 2B (Dr. Martin Luther King Drive). Go south (away from the Arkansas State Capitol) to W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. Turn right (head west) and continue 0.5 miles. The Visitor Center is on the right at the corner of W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive and Park Street. Parking lot entrance is located just before the intersection with Park Street, directly across from the historic Magnolia/Mobil Gas Station and diagonally across from Central High School (still a functioning high school).

Open with Google Map

Misc

Stay Limit
Reservable	false
Keywords
Map Link
Contact Phone
Contact Email

Permits info

Facilities

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center Facility

The visitor center features a detailed exhibit with interviews, news footage, and audio/video recordings of those directly involved + a new interpretive film, accessible restrooms and a Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA) bookstore.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database