Orval Faubus

Orval Faubus
University of Arkansas · Public domain · source
Name	Orval Faubus
Order	36th
Office	Governor of Arkansas
Term start	January 10, 1955
Term end	January 10, 1967
Predecessor	Francis P. Jones
Successor	Dale Bumpers
Birth date	January 6, 1910
Birth place	Page City, Clay County, Arkansas
Death date	December 14, 1994
Death place	Conway, Arkansas
Party	Democratic

Orval Faubus

Orval Faubus was an American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967. He is best known for his role in the Little Rock Crisis, a pivotal event in the US Civil Rights Movement that saw the federal government deploy troops to ensure the integration of Little Rock Central High School. Faubus's actions during this period had significant implications for the country, highlighting the tensions between state and federal authority, as well as the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Early Life and Political Rise

Orval Faubus was born on January 6, 1910, in Page City, Clay County, Arkansas, to a family of modest means. He grew up in a rural area and was educated in local schools before attending the University of Arkansas. After completing his education, Faubus worked as a United States Army officer during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1945. His entry into politics began with his election to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1946, where he served for two years. Faubus then went on to serve in the Arkansas State Senate from 1948 to 1952. His early political career was marked by his support for New Deal policies and his advocacy for veterans' rights.

Governorship and the Little Rock Crisis

Faubus was elected as the Governor of Arkansas in 1954, taking office in January 1955. During his tenure, he faced significant challenges related to the US Civil Rights Movement, particularly the issue of racial integration in public schools. In 1957, a federal court ordered the integration of Little Rock Central High School, which had previously been segregated. Faubus opposed integration and deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent African American students from attending the school. This move was met with resistance from the federal government, which ultimately deployed United States Army troops to ensure the students' safety and enforce the court's order. The event, known as the Little Rock Crisis, drew national attention and marked a significant turning point in the US Civil Rights Movement. Faubus's actions were seen as a challenge to federal authority, and his opposition to integration was widely criticized by civil rights advocates.

Political Aftermath and Later Career

The controversy surrounding the Little Rock Crisis had significant consequences for Faubus's political career. He was re-elected as governor in 1958 and 1962, but his influence within the Democratic Party began to wane. In 1966, Faubus chose not to seek re-election, and Dale Bumpers was elected as his successor. After leaving office, Faubus continued to be involved in politics, but his role was largely diminished. He made an unsuccessful bid for the United States Senate in 1970 and later worked as a lobbyist.

Legacy and Historical Assessment

Orval Faubus's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he is often remembered for his opposition to racial integration, his actions also reflected the broader social and economic tensions of the time. Faubus's commitment to states' rights and his concerns about the impact of integration on his state are still debated among historians. However, his resistance to federal authority and his attempts to maintain segregation have been widely criticized. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to nuance Faubus's legacy, taking into account the complex historical context in which he operated. Faubus died on December 14, 1994, in Conway, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be assessed by historians and scholars of the US Civil Rights Movement.

Category:Governors of Arkansas Category:Democratic Party politicians from Arkansas Category:United States Army officers Category:World War II military personnel Category:Politicians from Arkansas Category:20th-century American politicians