Why is it called Little Rock?

Benard de la Harpe, a Frenchman leading an exploration party up the Arkansas River on April 9, 1722, noted the first outcropping of the rock he had seen along the banks since leaving New Orleans. He reportedly called it 'la petite roche' or 'the little rock,' to distinguish it from a larger cliff across the river.

Why was Little Rock called Little Rock?

Little Rock was named for a stone outcropping on the bank of the Arkansas River used by early travelers as a landmark, which marked the transition from the flat Mississippi Delta region to the Ouachita Mountain foothills. It was named in 1722 by French explorer and trader Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe.

Does Little Rock have a rock?

The "Little Rock" is the eponym of Little Rock, Arkansas. It is a now-reduced stone outcrop, projecting into the Arkansas River from its south bank, in the city's waterfront area, adjacent to the Junction Bridge, whose foundations include a portion of the rock.

Why is Little Rock so famous?

Most notably, the thriving city is home of the “Little Rock Nine,” a group of African American teenagers who made civil rights history in 1957. During a time of segregation in schools, the “Little Rock Nine” paved the way for desegregation, even when met with an angry mob at the Little Rock Central High School.

Who was the founder of Little Rock Arkansas?

Almost 200 years later, French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe came upon a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River. He named the rock formation “la Petite Roche”—the little Rock. Thus, Little Rock was born.

Little Rock Overview | An informative introduction to Little Rock, Arkansas

What famous person was born in Little Rock Arkansas?

John Gould Fletcher (1886–1950), Pulitzer Prize-winning Imagist poet and author, was born in the city. Fred Graham (1931–2019), chief anchor and managing editor of Court TV, was born in the city.

What happened in Little Rock Arkansas in the 1950s?

When Governor Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to surround Central High School to keep the nine students from entering the school, President Eisenhower ordered the 101st Airborne Division into Little Rock to insure the safety of the "Little Rock Nine" and that the rulings of the Supreme Court were upheld.

What is a cool fact about Little Rock?

Little Rock is home to over 200,000 people, the most populated city in the US. Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, was incorporated on November 7, 1831. It sits on the south bank of the Arkansas River near the center of the state. In its early days, Central Little Rock was inhabited by Native Americans.

Do people like living in Little Rock?

Little Rock is a city in Arkansas with a population of 202,218. Little Rock is in Pulaski County and is one of the best places to live in Arkansas. Living in Little Rock offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Little Rock there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

What happened in Little Rock?

On September 4, 1957 nine African American students arrived at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. They made their way through a crowd shouting obscenities and even throwing objects. Once the students reached the front door the National Guard prevented them from entering the school and were forced to go home.

What is the nickname for Little Rock?

Little Rock Nickname: IT IS “THE ROCK” | City of Little Rock.

What river is in Little Rock?

Arkansas River at Little Rock, AR - USGS Water Data for the Nation.

Can you drink the water in Little Rock?

Under normal conditions, the drinking water supplied to your home is safe. It is treated to meet state and federal requirements and is regularly monitored.

What was the Little Rock controversy?

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine African American students enrolled in Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Their enrollment was followed by the Little Rock Crisis, in which the students were initially prevented from entering the racially segregated school by Orval Faubus, the Governor of Arkansas.

What happened in Little Rock in the 60s?

On February 9, 1960, just four weeks before the Little Rock Central High School graduation, a bomb exploded at the home of Carlotta Walls, the youngest of the Little Rock Nine—Black students who integrated the school in 1957.

Why do people go to Little Rock?

As Arkansas's capital city, Little Rock is renowned for its charming hospitality, history and culture. Recently ranked the third most “Travel Worthy State Capital,” by USA Today readers, Little Rock continues to garner national and international acclaim for its quality of life and tourism amenities.

Why are people leaving Little Rock?

The city of Little Rock has seen 62 homicides and many shootings this year, although there is a 23% decrease in crime compared to last year, some families who have fallen victim to the violence say they've had enough.

Is Little Rock friendly?

2. Southern charm. Little Rock is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, who embody the hospitality and warmth that the South is famous for.

What is Little Rock's reputation?

Quality of Life is based on numerous factors, including crime rates, quality of education, well-being, commute time and more. Little Rock was rated at 6.1 for quality of life, no doubt reduced by another recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report as the #5 most dangerous place to live in the country.

How diverse is little rock?

Race and Ethnicity

In 2021, there were 1.09 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (91k people) in Little Rock, AR than any other race or ethnicity. There were 83.1k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 7.34k White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Who is the youngest of the Little Rock?

Carlotta Walls LaNier, at age 14, was the youngest of the nine courageous Black students known as the Little Rock Nine who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957.

Why do people live in Arkansas?

Whether you were born and raised in Arkansas or new to the Natural State, Arkansas is a great place to live and play thanks to its low cost of living, friendly people, mild temperatures, great food and entertainment, stunning views, and wide range of activities to suit anyone's taste.

What was a famous quote from The Little Rock Nine?

Little Rock Nine Quotes. Melba Patillo spoke about the abuse she and the eight others experienced: 'The humiliating expectations and traditions of segregation creep over you, slowly stealing a teaspoonful of your self-esteem each day. '

Who were the 9 black students in Little Rock Arkansas?

Board of Education that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, nine African American students—Minnijean Brown, Terrance Roberts, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Patillo, Gloria Ray, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls—attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, ...

What issue erupted in Little Rock Arkansas?

In September, nine Black students – collectively known as the "Little Rock Nine" – enrolled at Central High School in Little Rock. The ensuing struggle between segregationists and integrationists, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus, and the federal government (especially President Dwight D.