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Day Before Classes
The day before classes begin for the new school year, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus summons the Arkansas National Guard to surround Central High School and block any attempts by black students to enter the school. Faubus announces in a public television speech that the orders are a proactive approach to prevent violence to all citizens and property and to “preserve the peace.” -
First Entrance
Nine black students, known as the “Little Rock Nine” attempt to enter Central High but are turned away by the National Guard. -
Injunction against Govenor Faubus
A federal judge grants an injunction to NAACP lawyers Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton to impede the governor's use of the National Guard. The troops withdraw. -
The Little Rock Nine enter for the first time
Little Rock police officers and over 1,000 integration protestors surround the school in anticipation of the black students’ attempt to enter the school. The police escort the students into the high school’s side door unnoticed. Outside, the mob learns of the students’ entrance and becomes angry and aggressive. They begin to challenge the police officers. Fearful the crowd will get out of control, the school administration moves the black students out a side door before noon. -
Congressman and Mayor phone the President
U.S. Congressman Brooks Hays and Little Rock Mayor Woodrow Mann ask the federal government for help via a telegram to President Dwight Eisenhower. President Eisenhower displaces between 1,100 and 1,200 federal troops of the 101st Airborne Division and places 10,000 National Guardsmen on duty. -
The Little Rock Nine enter through the front entrance
The Little Rock Nine, under protection from federal troops, enter Central High School through the front entrance. Aggressive white mobs verbally chastise the students and physically harm black reporters in the crowd covering the affair. The event is seen around the world.