May 3, 2011

To most Americans, Governor Orval Faubus is remembered for his role in the infamous Central High School desegregation crisis in 1957. However, during his six consecutive terms as governor, he also achieved many positive goals. His administration oversaw a steady increase in industrialization, increases in teacher pay, construction of new roads, expansion of state parks, and prevention of the federal government’s damming of the Buffalo River. He also led the way in improving the State Hospital for the mentally ill and in creating the Arkansas Children’s Colony for mentally handicapped children.