Lyceum — The Circle Historic District has national significance in the history of the United States of America. On this site, between September 30 and October 1, 1962, a rebellious mob clashed with U.S. Marshals and federal troops, authorized by President John F. Kennedy, over the court-ordered admittance of African-American student James Meredith to the University of Mississippi. The riotous event marked a decisive turning point in the history of public school desegregation as violent southern massive resistance declined in the face of federal government enforcement.