Orval Faubus

Orval Faubus
University of Arkansas · Public domain · source
Name	Orval Faubus
Birth date	January 7, 1910
Birth place	Combs, Arkansas
Death date	December 14, 1994
Death place	Conway, Arkansas
Occupation	Politician
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, in which he attempted to prevent the Desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. Faubus's actions during this crisis drew national attention and sparked a significant turning point in the US Civil Rights Movement. As a prominent figure in the movement, Faubus's legacy is closely tied to the struggles of African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s, including notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

● Early Life and Career

Orval Faubus was born on January 7, 1910, in Combs, Arkansas, to a poor farming family. He grew up in a rural area and attended local schools, eventually graduating from Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas). Faubus began his career in politics as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives and later served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to Arkansas and became involved in state politics, serving as the Director of the Arkansas State Welfare Department and later as the Director of the Arkansas State Highway Department. Faubus's early career was marked by his association with prominent Arkansas politicians, including Senator John L. McClellan and Governor Sid McMath.

● Governor of Arkansas

Faubus was elected as the Governor of Arkansas in 1954, running on a platform of States' rights and Conservatism. During his early years as governor, Faubus focused on issues such as Education and Economic development, working to improve the state's infrastructure and attract new businesses. However, his tenure was soon marked by controversy, particularly with regards to the issue of Racial segregation. Faubus's administration was also notable for its connections to other prominent Southern politicians, including Governor George Wallace of Alabama and Governor Ross Barnett of Mississippi.

● Role

in the Little Rock Crisis In 1957, Faubus played a central role in the Little Rock Crisis, in which he attempted to prevent the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. Faubus deployed the Arkansas National Guard to block the entrance of the school, preventing a group of African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, from attending classes. The crisis drew national attention and sparked a confrontation between Faubus and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who ultimately deployed federal troops to enforce the desegregation of the school. The crisis was a significant turning point in the US Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the need for federal intervention to enforce Civil rights in the face of state-level resistance. Other notable figures involved in the crisis included Thurgood Marshall, who argued the case of Brown v. Board of Education before the US Supreme Court, and Melba Pattillo, one of the Little Rock Nine.

● Civil Rights and Segregation

Faubus's actions during the Little Rock Crisis were widely seen as a symbol of resistance to the US Civil Rights Movement. He was a strong supporter of Racial segregation and worked to maintain the segregation of public facilities in Arkansas. Faubus's administration was also marked by its response to other civil rights issues, including the Freedom Rides and the Birmingham Campaign. Despite his opposition to civil rights, Faubus's legacy is closely tied to the struggles of African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s, including notable figures such as Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) were among the organizations that played a significant role in the civil rights movement during this period.

● Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office in 1967, Faubus returned to private life and worked as a Consultant and Lobbyist. He remained a prominent figure in Arkansas politics and continued to speak out on issues related to States' rights and Conservatism. Faubus died on December 14, 1994, at the age of 84, and was buried in Conway, Arkansas. His legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his role as a symbol of resistance to the US Civil Rights Movement and his contributions to the development of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Historical Association have both recognized Faubus's significance in the state's history, and his papers are housed at the University of Arkansas Libraries.

● Impact on

the US Civil Rights Movement Orval Faubus's impact on the US Civil Rights Movement was significant, particularly with regards to the issue of Desegregation. His actions during the Little Rock Crisis drew national attention and sparked a confrontation between state and federal authorities. The crisis ultimately led to the deployment of federal troops to enforce the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, setting a precedent for future civil rights cases. Faubus's legacy is closely tied to the struggles of African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s, and his actions continue to be studied by historians and scholars of the US Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were among the key pieces of legislation that resulted from the movement, and Faubus's opposition to these efforts remains a significant part of his legacy. Other notable figures who played a role in the movement include Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, and Stokely Carmichael.