Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

Spend 30 minutes or several hours at Monroe Elementary School. You'll learn all about the pivotal U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954). The ruling changed America's national and social policy. It provided the legal framework for dismantling racial segregation in public schools.

Monroe was one of the four segregated schools for African Americans in Topeka. Exhibits located throughout the building tell the story of school segregation. The historic site commemorates this major victory in the Civil Rights Movement.

Start in the auditorium, where the film "Race and the American Creed" traces the history of racism and segregation. Photos, interpretive media and seven short films show the hardships the black community faced until the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The Struggle Continues exhibit explores the Civil Rights Movement that followed in the wake of the Brown decision. See the former kindergarten room restored to its 1954 appearance. The whole building is perfectly preserved, and the Rangers are eager to educate. While the information is plentiful, it's well organized so you don't feel overwhelmed.

Catch some air by stepping outside onto the historic school playground. Toss a Frisbee, fly a kite, and relax in the shade over a picnic lunch. Nearby Cushinberry Park offers a basketball court and playground equipment along with barbecue grills. Walk or bike down Landon Trail just off the site's parking lot.

Visiting Monroe School is a powerful and sobering experience. View all nearby options for camping on both public campgrounds and private land on Hipcamp.