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Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail: A Walk Through History

Walk the path of courage and change on Little Rock's Civil Rights Heritage Trail, honoring those who fought for equality and justice in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail, located in Little Rock, commemorates the people and places significant to the Civil Rights Movement in Arkansas. This ever-growing trail, created by the Anderson Institute of Race and Ethnicity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, features markers that highlight the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought for racial and ethnic justice.

A brief summary to Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail

Local tips

  • Download the Arkansas Civil Rights History Tour app for an enhanced experience with interactive maps and detailed information about each site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail is a walking tour that covers several blocks in downtown Little Rock.
  • Visit the trail during daylight hours to fully appreciate the markers and surrounding historical sites.
  • Check for special events or ceremonies that may be taking place along the trail, especially during Black History Month or other commemorative periods.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail is primarily a walking tour in downtown Little Rock. Starting at the Old State House Museum at 300 W Markham St, you can follow the trail eastward. The markers are located on the sidewalks, making it easy to navigate the trail on foot. The trail extends towards the Clinton Presidential Library. Remember to look for the bronze markers on the sidewalk to guide you.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving via public transportation, the Rock Region METRO bus system has several stops near the Old State House Museum, the starting point of the trail. From the bus stop, walk west along Markham Street to find the beginning of the trail. A single ride on the METRO bus costs $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Little Rock. Request a ride to the Old State House Museum at 300 W Markham St. A short ride from other downtown locations typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand.

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Discover more about Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail

The Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail is a poignant walking tour in Little Rock that honors the individuals and locations instrumental in Arkansas's struggle for equal rights. Stretching from the Old State House to the Clinton Presidential Library, the trail serves as a powerful reminder of the state's civil rights legacy. Established by the Anderson Institute on Race and Ethnicity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the trail recognizes the brave activists who challenged segregation and inequality. Each marker tells a story of resilience, from the sit-ins and freedom rides to the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. The trail also acknowledges the contributions of professionals who broke barriers in medicine, law, politics, and economic advancement. The trail includes sites such as the Little Rock Nine Memorial, which pays tribute to the students who desegregated Central High School in 1957, and the Daisy Bates House, home of the civil rights leader who guided the Little Rock Nine. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, which celebrates African American history and culture, is also a part of the trail. The trail is an official part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Visiting the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail offers a profound opportunity to learn about the state's civil rights history and to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.

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