29 Apr 2024 Morrilton names Rockefeller Plaza for their beloved native son 

Photos and story by Diane Barnes

The city of Morrilton is home to one of the most influential families in Arkansas’s history: The Rockefeller family. On April 4, the community watched as Winthrop “Win” Paul Rockefeller Jr. unveiled the sign naming the downtown’s center “Rockefeller Plaza.”

At the event, the grandson of the famous Rockefeller who made Central Arkansas his home about 70 years ago spoke. Win Rockefeller Jr. said that, while his father’s love extended to the entire state, Morrilton and Petite Jean Mountain held a special place in his heart.

Rockefeller Plaza stands at the east end of the Morrilton Depot Museum, which is the center stage of downtown Morrilton. Back in 2011, the city of Morrilton (Conway County) placed a statue of Winthrop Paul Rockefeller in the area that has now been named for his family.

Winthrop Rockefeller, a wealthy socialite of New York City, moved to Morrilton in 1953. He made his home on top of Petit Jean Mountain. Soon after arriving, he established Winrock Farms. This helped to build Arkansas into the steady-growing land of opportunity that it is today. Winthrop Rockefeller served two successful terms as governor of Arkansas. He died in 1973 at age sixty.

His only child, Winthrop Paul Rockefeller (known as “Win” Paul Rockefeller), was born September 17, 1948, in New York City. He, too, eventually followed his father’s footsteps, which led him to the state of Arkansas, on top of Petit Jean Mountain, only minutes away from the nearby city of Morrilton.

Without hesitation, he moved forward with his father’s work and took over leadership of Winrock Farms. Like his father, he became involved in politics and served as the 17th lieutenant governor of Arkansas from 1996 until his death in 2006, at the age of 57.

The community welcomed his son Win Jr. for the special occasion and a sign was erected in the plaza.