Arkansas Unveils Marker Honoring Civil Rights Leader Daisy Bates

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The home of late civil rights leader Daisy Bates in Little Rock, Arkansas, where the Little Rock Nine gathered each morning during the desegregation of Central High School, was honored with a new state historical marker on Tuesday as part of the state's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary. Bates, who co-owned the Arkansas State Press with her husband, served as a mentor to the nine Black students who integrated Central High in 1957, and her home functioned as a daily meeting place for the students.

Why it matters

Daisy Bates was a key figure in the civil rights movement, serving as president of the Arkansas NAACP and being the only woman to speak from the main stage at the 1963 March on Washington. The unveiling of the marker at her historic home highlights Arkansas' efforts to commemorate its civil rights history and educate visitors about the state's role in desegregation.

The details

The blue marker at Bates' residence in south Little Rock is part of Arkansas' commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary. The home, built in 1955, is now a National Historic Landmark operated by the nonprofit L.C. and Daisy Bates Foundation. Inside, the house has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1957 and includes artifacts related to Bates and the Central High crisis. The foundation hopes to eventually add a visitor center to help preserve the property and accommodate growing interest.

• The marker was unveiled on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
• Monday, February 17, 2026 marked an Arkansas state holiday honoring both Bates and George Washington.
• In 2019, a state law replaced one of Arkansas' statues at the U.S. Capitol with one depicting Bates.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The L.C. and Daisy Bates Foundation plans to eventually add a visitor center to Bates' historic home to help preserve the property and accommodate growing interest.