Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site


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.

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).

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • Architecture and Building
  • African American Heritage
  • Military
  • US Army
  • Presidents
  • Schools and Education
  • Social Movements
  • Civil Rights

Little Rock Central High School

The front facade of Little Rock Central High School

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

Little Rock Central High School Visitor Center

National Park Visitor Center

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

Commemorative Garden

Fall colors in the commemorative garden

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

Elizabeth Eckford Bench

a replica of a 1950s bus bench with Central High School in the background

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

The Little Rock Nine

The Little Rock Nine exit the doors at Central High under troop escort

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

Magnolia Mobil Gas Station

The Magnolia Mobil Gas Station, a white stucco facility with terracotta roof

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