“A pivotal moment in civil rights”
Little Rock Central High School is recognized for the role it played in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. The admission of nine African-American students to the formerly all-white Central High School was the most prominent national example of the implementation of Supreme Court decisions in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Little Rock Central High School (LRCHS) is an accredited comprehensive public high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. Central High School was the site of forced school desegregation during the American Civil Rights Movement. Central is located at the intersection of Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive (named for the civil rights leader and formerly known as 14th Street) and Park Street. Central can trace its origins back to 1869 when the Sherman School operated in a wooden structure at 8th and Sherman streets, which produced its first graduating class on June 13, 1873. In 1885 the Sherman School was moved to 14th and Scott streets and was aptly named Scott Street School but was more commonly called City High School. Five years later in 1890, the Peabody School was constructed at West Capitol and Gaines streets. It was named in honor of philanthropist George Peabody from US$200,000 received via the Peabody Education Fund. In 1905, the city founded Little Rock High School at the intersection of 14th and Cumberland streets, and shuttered the Peabody and Scott Street schools to serve as the city's sole public high school. In 1927 at a cost of US$1.5 million, the city completed construction on the nation's largest and most expensive high school facility that remains in use today. In 1953 with the construction of Hall High School, the school was renamed to its present-day name of Little Rock Central High School and has since been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and named as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Definitely worth the stop! Walking around the campus, you can just feel the history that took place. The visitor center across the street was so neat, it is kind of like a mini museum. And a gift shop too. The school itself is massive and something to see.
This is a history lesson we all need to hear. Be sure to attend a guided tour- educational, eye opening and a must see!!
Took my 5th grade twins in March 2020. Unbelievable. Amazing tourist museum with an emphasis on history with an impressive gift shop. Twins loved the experience and learned a lot about their current level of equality compared to others. Spent 1.5 hours.
The visitor center (free) is across the street from the school, which is still in use. Spend some time going through the exhibis, but also read some of the extra material about the movement. What a price they paid for education and equality!
A quick stop that is also very educational. The Junior Ranget program is also quick and easy. We spent about a 1/2 hr looking at the museum and walking over to the gas station and school.
The visitor center is located across the street and corner from the high school itself. I agree it is well worth the visit. What an amazing school and what amazing history!
So worth your time!!!
Be the first to add a review to the Little Rock Central High National Historic Site.
Little Rock Central High National Historic Site
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
- Check In
- 24 hours
- Rooms Count
- 1-50
Amenities, Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The top things to do on an I-40 road trip
- 35 Places
- 49:44
- 2,851 mi
A road trip along the Great River Road
- 35 Places
- 37:29
- 1,907 mi