Little Rock

Little Rock is the capital and most populous city of Arkansas. Located on the Arkansas River, it serves as a political, economic, and cultural hub for the state. The city is well known for its historical significance in the American civil rights movement.

Overview

Population: ~200,000 (over 740,000 in the metro area)
Founded: 1821 as the territorial capital
Geography: Located in central Arkansas on the south bank of the Arkansas River

Landmarks and Attractions

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site – pivotal to the civil rights movement
William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
Arkansas State Capitol and Riverfront Park
Big Dam Bridge – one of the longest pedestrian/cyclist bridges in the world
Museum of Discovery and Old State House Museum

Economy

Little Rock’s economy includes:

Healthcare and medical research
Government and education
Transportation and logistics
Banking and financial services

It is home to several corporate headquarters including Dillard’s and Stephens Inc.

Culture and Lifestyle

Strong Southern heritage blended with modern city development
Known for outdoor recreation, especially along the Arkansas River Trail
Hosts Riverfest, music events, and seasonal farmers’ markets
Diverse dining scene from Southern comfort food to global cuisine

Education and Research

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Institutions focused on public health, law, and technology

Transportation

Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
Rock Region Metro bus system
River rail streetcar system for downtown and riverfront areas

Fun Facts

The “Little Rock” refers to a small rock formation along the Arkansas River used as a navigation marker by early travelers
Nine African-American students known as the “Little Rock Nine” integrated Central High School in 1957 under national attention
The city was a finalist for the permanent location of the United Nations headquarters after WWII