Civil Rights Heritage
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Arkansas’ Civil Rights Heritage Sites
From Little Rock to Helena, Arkansas was the backdrop for many important moments in America’s fight for equality. See the sites where ordinary people made extraordinary history.
The Civil Rights Movement is deeply embedded in Arkansas history, leaving a legacy of bravery, resistance and transformation. Across The Natural State, landmarks stand as witnesses to pivotal moments in America’s journey toward racial equality.
In the heart of the capital city stands Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, a U.S. Civil Rights Trail landmark and the place where the Little Rock Nine bravely integrated an all-white high school in 1957. Just a few blocks away is the Daisy Bates House, the former home of Daisy and L.C. Bates and an essential command center for the Little Rock Nine.
Beyond Little Rock, the Arkansas Civil Rights Trail tells the story of where people stood for equality across the state. From the Delta Cultural Center in Helena to the World War II Japanese American Internment Museum in McGehee, each site offers space for reflection, opportunities to learn and a chance to honor those who demanded change. These places do more than preserve history. They help carry its lessons forward.
Experiences
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
The site of a major test in 1957 of the Civil Rights act where nine (the Little Rock Nine) African-American students integrated the all-white school. The only functioning high school to be located within the boundaries of a national historic site.
Testament: LIttle Rock Nine Memorial
“Testament: The Little Rock Nine Monument,” stands to honor the Little Rock Nine, African American students that courageously integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. It is the first civil rights monument located on any state capitol grounds in the south.
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
The reconstructed museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and celebrating Arkansas' African American culture and community from 1870 to present.
Delta Cultural Center
The Delta Cultural Center is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Arkansas Delta. The DCC Visitor's Center provides interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, staff offices and a working radio studio.
World War II Japanese American Internment Museum
The World War II Japanese American Internment Museum at McGehee focuses on the camps at Rohwer and Jerome. Since very little of the original camp remains today, a trip through the museum offers the necessary background for a site visit.
Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center
From the World War II Japanese American Internment Museum, visitors can travel to the site of the former Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center, open during daylight hours only.
