Built in 1927, Central High School was once revered as the nation’s largest, most expensive and most beautiful high school. Thirty years later, it would become the site of the nation’s first important test of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that made segregation in schools unconstitutional.

The world watched as nine African-American students were at first denied entrance, prompting a showdown between the Governor Faubus and President Dwight Eisenhower. The world watched as chaos ensued.

Eventually, the students were escorted in by soldiers and patrols continued for the remainder of the school year. Still functioning as a school today, Central is designated a National Historic Landmark and now neighbors a visitors center documenting a defining moment and place in the civil rights struggle.

Victor Davis
Embassy Suites