Arkansas became the 25th state, and Little Rock became the official capital city in 1836. The city derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River, called "La Petite Roche" or "the little rock," in the French language.
Little Rock is famous as President Clinton's first capital city, the cradle of the civil-rights movement, and the center of the beautiful "Natural State." Little Rock is home to historic sites, including the Capitol Hotel and Little Rock Central High School, and offers attractions as diverse as the Arkansas Arts Center, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, the Arkansas Museum of Discovery, the Old Statehouse Museum, and the downtown River Market District, which features fine restaurants, live entertainment, convention centers, Heifer International, and the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park.
There are two major universities located in the city that are part of the University of Arkansas System: the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Little Rock is also home to two private historically black colleges, Philander Smith College and Arkansas Baptist College, as well as the specialized Clinton School of Public Service, which offers a master's-degree program in public service.
Several major corporations are headquartered in Little Rock, including Alltel, Dillard's Department Stores, Windstream Communications, and Acxiom.
Little Rock Profile
Population: 184,055
Mayor: Mark Stodola
Major Industries: Robotics, Wood Products, Aerospace, Government, the Arts
Ethnic groups: 54% Caucasian, 40% African American, 3% Hispanic, 5% Other