Lake Nixon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lake Nixon
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 18500 Cooper Orbit Rd., Little Rock, Arkansas |
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| Area | 185.5 acres (75.1 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 100001013 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 2017 |
Lake Nixon is a special recreation area located near Little Rock, Arkansas. It has a lake that is about 34 acres (14 hectares) big. The lake is long and narrow, stretching from northwest to southeast. One side of the lake is still wild and natural. The other side has been developed into a summer day camp.
This camp became famous because of a very important civil rights case called Daniel v. Paul. The Supreme Court of the United States made a big decision about this case in 1969.
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What is Lake Nixon?
Lake Nixon is a private place where people can relax and have fun. It's located on Cooper Orbit Road, just outside Little Rock. The area covers about 185.5 acres (75.1 hectares). For many years, it was a popular spot for swimming and other outdoor activities.
A Big Case for Civil Rights
In 1966, Lake Nixon was a private club. It offered memberships for a very small fee, just 25 cents. But the club only allowed white people to join. African Americans were not allowed to become members.
During a very hot summer in 1966, two African American girls wanted to visit Lake Nixon. They were not allowed in because of their race. So, they decided to take legal action. This led to the important court case known as Daniel v. Paul.
What is the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the country. It makes final decisions on legal cases. These decisions affect everyone in the United States. The Supreme Court helps make sure that laws are followed fairly.
Why Was This Case Important?
The Supreme Court looked at the case of Daniel v. Paul. They decided that Lake Nixon was a "public accommodation." This means it was a place that served the public, even if it called itself a private club. Under civil rights laws, public places cannot discriminate against people based on their race.
This ruling was a huge step forward. It helped stop places from using "private club" rules to keep people of different races apart. The case of Lake Nixon showed that everyone should have equal access to public places. It was a key moment in the fight for fairness and equality.
A Historic Place
Because of its important role in civil rights history, Lake Nixon was recognized as a special place. In 2017, the lake and its surrounding areas were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This listing helps protect the site and reminds us of its significance.
