Winthrop Rockefeller

Winthrop Rockefeller moved to Arkansas from his native state of New York in 1953. He purchased land and established Winrock Farms on Petit Jean Mountain. Through proper land management and progressive livestock breeding practices, Mr. Rockefeller developed Winrock Farms into an internationally known and respected agricultural center. Mr. Rockefeller opened the gates of Winrock Farms to visitors from throughout the world, but he placed special emphasis on using the farm as an educational center to teach improved agricultural practices to farmers throughout Arkansas. Mr. Rockefeller was appointed in 1955 as the first director of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission. In this position, he actively recruited industry to Arkansas. Many of these industries used the state’s raw agricultural products in their value-adding manufacturing processes. Often, these industries were located in rural communities and provided muchneeded employment opportunities for local residents. Winthrop Rockefeller was elected governor of Arkansas in 1966. He served two terms and led the state in economic development, improving education, health planning, equal opportunity for minorities and prison reform. Mr. Rockefeller was an active philanthropist in Arkansas. He contributed over $1 million for a new, modern school in Morrilton, provided financial support to the Perry County medical clinic, was a major contributor to the Arkansas Arts Center and supported many other organizations and activities. Mr. Rockefeller served on the board of the National 4-H Foundation and was chairman of the board of Colonial Williamsburg. When Winthrop Rockefeller died in 1973, he left a large portion of his personal estate in a trust establishing the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, which is headquartered in Little Rock, and Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development, which is headquartered in the original buildings built for Winrock Farms (the Training Center). Both organizations and the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust continue to make important contributions that enhance the economic and social welfare of people in Arkansas.