Historical Events tagged with "little rock"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Devastating Tornado Outbreak in Southern US

February 5th, 2008 17 years ago

A significant tornado outbreak struck the Southern United States, resulting in the loss of 57 lives and widespread destruction. The outbreak predominantly affected areas in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, with tornadoes rated EF2 to EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Particularly severe damage was reported in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, where numerous homes and businesses were destroyed. The tornadoes formed due to a potent winter storm system interacting with warm air from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions. Affected communities grappled with recovery efforts in the aftermath.

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Politics & Government

Russia's Ilyushin Il-76 Aid Mission to U.S.

September 8th, 2005 19 years ago

Two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft from EMERCOM landed at Little Rock Air Force Base, delivering disaster aid to assist in relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. This mission marked a significant moment in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly as it was the first time Russia had flown a humanitarian mission to North America. The aircraft carried supplies and personnel to support the American relief efforts, showcasing international cooperation in times of disaster.

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Accidents & Tragedies

American Airlines Flight 1420 Crashes on Landing

June 1st, 1999 25 years ago

American Airlines Flight 1420, arriving from Dallas, faced challenges while landing at Little Rock National Airport. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, skidded off the runway during heavy rain while attempting to land amid challenging weather conditions. The crash resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with many others injured due to the impact and subsequent fires ignited by the incident. The tragic event prompted a reevaluation of flight safety protocols and procedures during adverse weather conditions.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Integration of Central High School in Little Rock

September 25th, 1957 67 years ago

The integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, was a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. On this day, federal troops were deployed to enforce the enrollment of nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine. This action followed a tumultuous period of resistance from local authorities and violent protests from segregationists. The students faced hostility but demonstrated remarkable courage as they attended classes for the first time amidst a charged atmosphere, marking a significant step toward desegregation in public schools.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Eisenhower Sends Troops to Enforce Desegregation

September 24th, 1957 67 years ago

President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1957 to enforce school desegregation following a crisis at Central High School. This decision was prompted by Governor Orval Faubus's use of the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African American students from attending the school, igniting national outrage and highlighting the struggle for civil rights. Eisenhower's intervention was crucial in upholding federal authority and ensuring the enforcement of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Eisenhower Orders Troops for School Integration

September 23rd, 1957 67 years ago

In response to violent opposition to school integration in Little Rock, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne Division to support the enrollment of African American students at Little Rock Central High School. He also federalized the Arkansas National Guard to maintain order and enforce the Supreme Court's ruling on desegregation. This decisive action underscored the federal government's commitment to uphold civil rights during a time of heightened racial tensions in the South.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

National Guard Prevents School Desegregation in Arkansas

September 4th, 1957 67 years ago

In Little Rock, Arkansas, Governor Orval Faubus called out the National Guard to prevent nine African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School. This action was intended to uphold segregation and challenge federal court rulings that mandated integration in public schools. The students, known as the Little Rock Nine, faced hostility and violence, drawing national attention and leading to a significant legal battle over civil rights. The response from the federal government and the ensuing legal conflicts would shape the path of the civil rights movement.

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Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Helena

July 4th, 1863 161 years ago

Union forces successfully repulsed a Confederate army at the Battle of Helena, Arkansas, thwarting an attempt to relieve pressure on Vicksburg. The battle was crucial for the Union forces as it paved the way for their eventual capture of Little Rock, significantly bolstering Union control in Arkansas during the Civil War. The engagement demonstrated the strategic importance of Helena in relation to the besieged city of Vicksburg.

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Politics & Government

Arkansas Becomes a Confederate State

May 6th, 1861 163 years ago

Arkansas officially seceded from the Union on May 6, 1861, aligning itself with the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The decision followed a statewide referendum in which voters largely favored secession. The state's leaders, including Governor Henry M. Rector, expressed strong support for leaving the Union as tensions rose between northern and southern states over issues such as states' rights and slavery.

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