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Central High Commemorative Garden: A Space for Reflection

Reflect on the Civil Rights Movement at this peaceful garden honoring the Little Rock Nine, located at Central High National Historic Site.

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The Commemorative Garden at Central High National Historic Site in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a tranquil space dedicated to the Little Rock Nine and the legacy of Central High School. It features symbolic landscaping, sculptures, and historical photo displays, offering a place for quiet contemplation on the Civil Rights Movement.

A brief summary to Central High National Historic Site - Commemorative Garden

  • Monday 7 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-8 pm
  • Friday 7 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photographs.
  • Take a guided tour of the Central High School to complement your visit to the garden.
  • Check the weather before your visit; the garden is best enjoyed on sunny days.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Commemorative Garden is located directly across the street from Central High School and adjacent to the visitor center. From the visitor center, exit and cross South Park Street. The garden will be on your left, with accessible ramps at the south and east entrances.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Little Rock, take Rock Region Metro bus Route 4 towards Little Rock. Get off at the stop at S. Park St and W. 12th St. From there, walk south along S. Park St for about 0.3 miles. The Central High National Historic Site - Commemorative Garden will be on your right at 1318 S Park St. A one-way fare is $1.35.

  • Driving

    From I-630, take Exit 2B (Dr. Martin Luther King Drive). Go south on Martin Luther King, Jr (away from Arkansas State Capitol). Turn right (west) onto Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive. The Visitor Center and Visitor Parking will be on your Right at the intersection of Daisy L. Gatson Bates and Little Rock Nine Way, directly across from the historic Magnolia Mobil Gas Station and diagonally across from Central High School campus. Parking is free at the visitor center.

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Discover more about Central High National Historic Site - Commemorative Garden

The Central High School National Historic Site's Commemorative Garden offers a serene and reflective space dedicated to the Little Rock Nine and the events that unfolded at Central High School in 1957. Located across the street from the school and adjacent to the visitor center, the garden provides a tranquil setting for visitors to contemplate the struggle for civil rights and the legacy of those brave students. The garden's design incorporates symbolic elements, including nine trees and nine benches representing the Little Rock Nine. Winding paths lead to a circular plaza featuring brick and concrete arches adorned with a photo collage that documents the school's history, from its construction in 1927 through the desegregation crisis and up to the present day. The arches surround a poem, “The Spirit of Central High,” etched into a concrete circle. The garden was dedicated on September 25, 2001, marking the 44th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine's successful entrance into Central High School. The garden is accessible via ramps on its south and east entrances. Visitors can stroll through the garden, taking time to appreciate the sculptures and plaques that tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement. The garden serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience of those who fought for equality and provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that remains.

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