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Magnolia/Mobil Service Station: Echoes of the Civil Rights Struggle

Visit the Magnolia/Mobil Service Station, a pivotal landmark in Little Rock, AR, witnessing the 1957 desegregation crisis and the Civil Rights Movement.

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The Magnolia/Mobil Service Station, near Little Rock Central High School, served as an impromptu media hub during the 1957 desegregation crisis. Restored to its 1957 appearance, it stands as a reminder of the struggle for civil rights and equality in America.

A brief summary to The Magnolia/Mobil Service Station-Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Explore the surrounding Central High Historic District to gain a comprehensive understanding of the area's history.
  • Visit the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center to begin your experience and learn about the desegregation crisis.
  • Check for ranger-led Streetscape tours to see key sites like the Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench and the Magnolia Mobil Station.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already at the Little Rock Central High School Visitor Center, the Magnolia/Mobil Service Station is a short walk away. Head west on Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, and you'll find the station on the corner of Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive and Park Street, directly across from the high school.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Little Rock, you can take the METRO bus to the vicinity of Central High School. Several bus routes serve the area, with stops near 12th St & Park St. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Magnolia/Mobil Service Station located at 2125 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr. A single ride fare on METRO is $1.25.

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Discover more about The Magnolia/Mobil Service Station-Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

The Magnolia/Mobil Service Station, located at the corner of Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive and Park Street in Little Rock, Arkansas, is more than just a vintage gas station; it's a landmark that witnessed a pivotal moment in American history. Built in the 1920s, around the same time as Little Rock Central High School, the station became an unexpected focal point during the 1957 desegregation crisis. As reporters from across the globe converged on Little Rock to cover the events surrounding the integration of Central High School, the Magnolia/Mobil station became their de facto headquarters. With a pay phone on site, it was from this humble service station that many journalists relayed their stories to the world, capturing the drama and tension of the era. In the late 1950s, the station displayed both Mobil and Magnolia signs, capitalizing on regional and national brand recognition. The Mobil Foundation played a key role in restoring the station's exterior to its 1957 appearance, using original specifications for the signage, paint scheme, and gas pumps from Mobil's corporate archives. Although the building is not currently operating as a gas station, the station now serves as an education center where visitors can learn about the past and the future of social justice and civil rights. Today, the Magnolia/Mobil Service Station stands as a powerful reminder of the challenges and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, inviting reflection on the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.

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