Why was the National Guard used in Little Rock?
Why was the National Guard used in Little Rock?
Governor Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent African American students from enrolling at Central High School. Central High was an all white school. The 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown v. Topeka made segregation in public schools illegal.
Did the National Guard block the Little Rock Nine?
Arkansas troops block “Little Rock Nine” from entering segregated high school. Arkansas governor Orval Faubus enlists the National Guard to prevent nine African American students from entering Central High School in Little Rock. Faubus took the action in violation of a federal order to integrate the school.
What National Guard units are in Arkansas?
Current units

- 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment : Malvern, Arkansas.
- 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment: Searcy, Arkansas.
- 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment: Kansas City, Missouri.
- 1st Squadron, 134th Cavalry Regiment: Lincoln, Nebraska.
- 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment: Russellville, Arkansas.
What 2 roles did the Arkansas National Guard play in Little Rock Nine?
When integration began on September 4, 1957, the Arkansas National Guard was called in to “preserve the peace”. Originally at orders of the governor, they were meant to prevent the black students from entering due to claims that there was “imminent danger of tumult, riot and breach of peace” at the integration.
Are the Little Rock 9 still alive?
Only eight of the Little Rock Nine are still alive. The eight other surviving members continue to create their own personal achievements after integrating Little Rock Central High.

How many troops were sent to Little Rock?
1,000
On September 23, President Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10730, which put the Arkansas National Guard under federal authority, and sent 1,000 U.S. Army troops from the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, to maintain order as Central High School desegregated.
What does the Arkansas National Guard do?
The state mission assigned to the National Guard is: “To provide trained and disciplined forces for domestic emergencies or as otherwise provided by state law.”When not activated for its Federal mission, the Governor through the State Adjutant General commands Guard forces.
Who protected the Little Rock Nine?
Eisenhower
Eisenhower sending federal troops to protect the “Little Rock Nine.” With the protection from the federal troops the nine African American students were able to attend Central High School.
Were the Little Rock 9 the first?
The “Little Rock Nine,” as the nine teens came to be known, were to be the first African American students to enter Little Rock’s Central High School. Three years earlier, following the Supreme Court ruling, the Little Rock school board pledged to voluntarily desegregate its schools.
How was the Little Rock Nine successful?
The Little Rock Nine became an integral part of the fight for equal opportunity in American education when they dared to challenge public school segregation by enrolling at the all-white Central High School in 1957. Their appearance and award are part of the Centennial Celebration of Women at Marquette.