VACATION AND TRAVEL
Article by Michael Joseph Lynch
Little Rock, Arkansas
In this article I will be talking about the capitol city of Arkansas, because capitol-cities have many Free attractions. I spend time in Arkansas years ago in 1998 visiting Pea Ridge Civil War Battlefield, and the City of Eureka Springs, which has this top-of-the-line outdoor passion play about the life and times of Jesus Christ, and many other Christian related attractions. This city of Eureka Springs is 4 hours northwest of Little Rock.
Anyway, this first attraction is related to the Civil Rights Movement, having very high visitor review ratings. This attraction is Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via Free
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Ranger-led tours that are reserved at least 2 days in advance to guarantee participation.
Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all-white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Free admission - open Tuesday through Saturday. The visitor center features a detailed exhibit with interviews, news footage, and audio/video recordings of those directly involved plus a new interpretive film, accessible restrooms, and a Jefferson National Parks Association bookstore.