James Meredith walking to class flanked by U.S. Marshal James McShane (left) and Assistant Attorney General of Civil Rights John Doar (right).

In the fall of 1962 the college town of Oxford, Mississippi, erupted in violence. At the center of the controversy stood James Meredith, an African American who was attempting to register at the all-white University of Mississippi, known as "Ole Miss." Meredith had the support of the federal government, which insisted that Mississippi honor the rights of all its citizens, regardless of race.

Mississippi's refusal led to a showdown between state and federal authorities and the storming of the campus by a segregationist mob. Two people died and dozens were injured. In the end, Ole Miss, the state of Mississippi, and the nation were forever changed.

This site lets visitors witness the events firsthand through the actual letters, recorded telephone conversations, and images of those who made history.