The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - University of Arkansas System

History and Timeline

1912

Winthrop Rockefeller is born the fourth son to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller on May 1.

1945

Winthrop, who had enlisted in the Army in 1941, survives a Japanese kamikaze bombing of his troop transport ship. While in the Army, he becomes friends with Frank Newell from Arkansas.

1948

Winthrop Paul, his only son, is born to Rockefeller and his first wife, Barbara (Bobo) Sears Rockefeller.

1953

Winthrop comes to Arkansas at the invitation of his Army buddy. He finds and purchases a 927-acre farm on Petit Jean Mountain and creates Winrock Farms and Winrock Enterprises. His philanthropies occupy much of his time, including financing the construction of a model school at Morrilton.

1955

Rockefeller becomes chairman of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, appointed by Governor Orval Faubus.

1956

Winthrop founds Rockwin Fund and initiates Arkansas Opportunity Fund. He marries Jeannette Edris.

1957

Arkansas legislature passes resolution declaring "the confidence and appreciation of all the people in the high accomplishments, able leadership and personal generosity of Winthrop Rockefeller."

1963

Arkansas Arts Center opens, thanks in large part to the efforts of Winthrop Rockefeller and his wife, Jeannette.

1964

Winthrop announces first candidacy for Arkansas governor; loses to Orval Faubus.

1966

Winthrop is elected governor of Arkansas, serving two terms. He becomes the first Republican governor since Reconstruction.

1967

Winthrop is a founding trustee of Rockefeller Family Fund.

1968

Winthrop is elected to a second term as governor of Arkansas.

1970

Rockefeller’s third term bid for governor of Arkansas fails.

1972

Winthrop serves as chairman and president of the Rural Resources Institute.

1973

Winthrop Rockefeller dies in a Palm Springs hospital on February 22. Winrock International Livestock Research and Training Center is created and Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation is established.

1974

Rockefeller Charitable Trust begins making substantial contributions to the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

1976

Rockefeller funds seed Arkansas Community Foundation.

1985

Winrock International Livestock Research and Training Center merges with the Agricultural Development Council (founded by John D. Rockefeller) and the Agricultural Development Service to form Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development.

2003

Arkansans celebrate Rockefeller’s 50 years of influence in the state.

2004

Winrock International vacates the facilities atop Petit Jean Mountain.

2005

Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust creates the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System.