Winthrop Rockefeller

Winthrop Rockefeller

Winthrop Rockefeller is the man responsible for most of Arkansas' economic and social changes. He was known as a philanthropist, civil rights activist, economic leader, public servant, and political reformer. The work Winthrop did in Arkansas greatly changed the way that people today view Arkansas.

Born on May 1, 1912, Winthrop was a member of the prominent Rockefeller family. His grandfather was the founder of the Standard Oil Company, and his brother Nelson was once the Vice President of the United States. Although he dropped out early, Winthrop attended Yale University and afterward worked on oil fields in Texas. After returning to New York in 1937, he enlisted in the army and served in World War II. This is when Winthrop's interest in philanthropic causes was really sparked.

Rockefeller returned to New York in 1946, and married Barbara "Bobo" Sears in 1948. This marriage didn't last long and soon afterward Winthrop decided to take up residence in Arkansas. While no one is really positive why he chose Arkansas, some say he did so to please his parents. In his autobiography, John Ward explains that "as a Rockefeller they had a special obligation to others." He implies that by choosing a poor state, Winthrop could make his parents proud. Winthrop set up his ranch, Winrock Farms, on Petit Jean Mountain. This cattle operation was internationally recognized and is still run today. He married Jeanette Idris in 1956, and they remained together until his death.

Winthrop served as chairman of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission and as the state Republican National Committeeman. In 1964 he ran for governor and although he put up a fight, he lost to Orval Faubus. After a second attempt, he was named Arkansas' first Republican governor since 1874. He pursued a number of projects,

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