Orval Faubus, American soldier and politician, 36th Governor of Arkansas (d. 1994)

Orval Eugene Faubus (pronounced FAW-bəs; January 7, 1910 – December 14, 1994) was a prominent American politician whose extensive career in public service culminated in his twelve-year tenure as the 36th Governor of Arkansas. Serving from 1955 to 1967 as a member of the Democratic Party, Faubus’s time in office marked him as the longest-serving governor in Arkansas history, a testament to his political longevity and complex relationship with the state's electorate during a transformative era. His governorship, however, is most indelibly linked to the pivotal events of 1957, which placed Arkansas at the epicenter of the American Civil Rights Movement.

A former teacher, school superintendent, and state highway commissioner, Faubus initially cultivated an image as a progressive populist, especially during his first term. However, his political legacy became inextricably tied to his staunch opposition to the federal mandate for school desegregation, particularly in the context of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. This unanimous ruling declared state-sponsored segregation in public schools unconstitutional, effectively overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, and calling for the integration of schools with "all deliberate speed."

The Little Rock Crisis: A Defining Moment

In September 1957, Governor Faubus directly challenged the authority of the Supreme Court and the federal government. Despite the legally binding precedent set by Brown v. Board of Education, he ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African American students—who would become historically known as the "Little Rock Nine"—from entering Little Rock Central High School. These courageous students, including Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed, and Melba Pattillo Beals, sought to exercise their constitutional right to attend the formerly all-white institution.

Faubus’s defiance was framed by him as an act to preserve public order and uphold states' rights against federal overreach, a narrative that resonated with many segregationists in the South. This direct confrontation between state and federal power escalated into a national crisis, drawing international attention and highlighting the deep-seated resistance to desegregation in the American South. The standoff forced President Dwight D. Eisenhower to take unprecedented action; he federalized the Arkansas National Guard, removing it from Faubus's command, and dispatched elements of the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to Little Rock. These federal troops were tasked with escorting the Little Rock Nine into the school, ensuring their safety, and upholding the Supreme Court's mandate. This decisive federal intervention marked a critical moment in the enforcement of civil rights in America, demonstrating the federal government's ultimate authority over states in matters of constitutional law.

Impact and Legacy of Governor Faubus

The "Little Rock Crisis" profoundly shaped Faubus's political career and the trajectory of the Civil Rights Movement. While his actions in 1957 garnered significant support from segregationist voters, contributing to his re-election for several subsequent terms, they also solidified his image as a symbol of resistance to racial equality. His twelve years as governor were a period of immense social and political upheaval in Arkansas and across the nation. The events in Little Rock served as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in dismantling systemic racial segregation and underscored the necessity of robust federal intervention to protect the civil rights of all citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orval Faubus and the Little Rock Crisis

Who was Orval Eugene Faubus?

Orval Eugene Faubus was an American politician who served as the 36th Governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967, holding the record as the longest-serving governor in the state's history. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is primarily known for his role in the 1957 Little Rock Crisis.

What was the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision?

The Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark 1954 unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. This ruling effectively mandated the desegregation of public schools across the United States.

Why did Governor Faubus oppose school desegregation in Little Rock?

Governor Faubus claimed his actions were necessary to maintain public order and to protect the principle of states' rights against what he perceived as federal overreach. His defiance of the federal desegregation order also resonated with a significant portion of his constituency who opposed integration.

What happened during the Little Rock Crisis in 1957?

In September 1957, Governor Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African American students, known as the "Little Rock Nine," from entering Little Rock Central High School. This act of defiance led to a direct confrontation with the federal government, resulting in President Dwight D. Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard and deploying the 101st Airborne Division to escort the students into the school and ensure their safety.

What was the lasting impact of the Little Rock Crisis?

The Little Rock Crisis became a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement, vividly illustrating the intense resistance to desegregation and the federal government's commitment to enforcing constitutional rights. It underscored the importance of federal intervention in upholding civil liberties and highlighted the bravery of the Little Rock Nine in the face of adversity.