Little Rock Central

Little Rock Central High School might be one of the most historic buildings in the city. It was built back in 1927, and sprawls across two city blocks. When it opened it was dubbed the most expensive and beautiful high school building in the country.



Thirty years after the school opened, it would become a Civil Rights landmark. In 1957, the governor of Arkansas called out the National Guard to prevent nine African-American students from desegregating the school. Eventually, President Eisenhower sent in federal troops to escort the students to class and to preserve the peace.



It is bizarre now to imagine the crowds of people nearly rioting around the school in 1957. It was quiet and peaceful when I was there a few weeks ago taking these pictures. I should also note that it smelled really good there, thanks to lots of blooming plants and flowers around the school.