James Meredith Enrolls at Univ. of Mississippi

On Oct. 1, 1962, federal marshals escorted James Meredith to enroll at the University of Mississippi. Earlier that year, a U.S. Appeals court ordered the University to admit him. Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett, a pro-segregationist, personally blocked Merediths first two attempts to enroll. Mississippi's Lieutenant Governor stopped his third attempt. His fourth attempt sparked violent riots.