to win the support of the many white Arkansas voters who still wanted segregated schools.

When school opened that September, Governor Faubus sent National Guard troops to Central High School. He ordered them to stop nine African American students from entering the newly integrated school. Elizabeth Eckford, one of the “Little Rock Nine,” arrived at school alone when a white mob began to scream at her.

For three weeks, the crisis continued. At this point, President Dwight Eisenhower stepped in by placing the Arkansas National Guard under federal control. The nine black students arrived at the school in a U.S. Army car. With soldiers protecting them, the students finally were integrated into the school. Eisenhower had shown that the federal government would protect civil rights.

Later, President Eisenhower wrote a message to parents of the Little Rock Nine. “In the course of our country’s progress toward equality of opportunity, you have shown dignity and courage.”

Elizabeth Eckford had to walk past a crowd that shouted insults at her.