Little Rock
Little Rock is the capital and most populous city in Arkansas and the county seat of Pulaski County.
Founded in 1821, Little Rock has grown from a river port into a metropolitan area that offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
Little Rock is named after a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River, Little Rock serves as the capital and the largest city in the state of Arkansas.
Brief History of Little Rock
The history of Little Rock is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of American expansion and the struggle for civil rights.
The area that is now Little Rock was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, who settled along the banks of the Arkansas River.
In 1812, the Quapaw ceded their territory to the United States government, opening the door for American settlers to establish a foothold in the region.
Little Rock was officially founded in 1821, shortly after the Arkansas Territory was created, and was chosen as the territorial capital due to its strategic location on the river.
Throughout the 19th century, Little Rock flourished as a centre of commerce and transportation, part of its position as a major port on the Arkansas River.
In 1957, the city gained international attention when nine African American students, known as the “Little Rock Nine,” attempted to integrate Central High School.
Despite facing violent opposition and resistance from segregationists, the students persevered, with the assistance of federal troops, and helped to pave the way for desegregation in public schools across the country.
Today, Little Rock honours the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement through various landmarks and institutions, including the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, which preserves the history of the desegregation crisis and educates visitors about the ongoing struggle for equality.
Sister cities
Little Rock maintains sister-city relationships with several cities, fostering cultural exchange, friendship, and collaboration across borders.
These sister city partnerships promote understanding and cooperation between communities, offering opportunities for mutual learning and growth.
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Hanam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Changchun, Jilin, China
- Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
- Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
