Little Rock, located in central Arkansas, is the states capital and largest city. The name is derived from La Petite Roche (the little rock in French), a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River that served as a navigational landmark by early river travelers.

How was Little Rock found?

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.

Where is the Little Rock in Little Rock?

The Little RockThe Little RockLocationOn S bank of the Arkansas River at foot of Rock St., Little Rock, ArkansasCoordinates34°44′57.3″N 92°15′59.9″WCoordinates: 34°44′57.3″N 92°15′59.9″WArealess than one acreBuilt17227 more rows

In what region does Little Rock exist in?

Arkansas Little Rock, city, capital of Arkansas, U.S. It is the seat of Pulaski county, on the Arkansas River in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in the central part of the state.

Why was the capital moved from Arkansas Post to Little Rock?

Due to its regional importance, Arkansas Post was chosen as the first territorial capital (1819–1821) of Arkansas Territory; the capital was moved to Little Rock in 1821.

What does Arkansas mean in Native American?

The word “Arkansas” came from the Quapaw Indians, by way of early French explorers. The Quapaws, or OO-GAQ-Pa, were also known as the “people who live downstream,” or UGAKHOPAG. The Algonkian-speaking Indians of the Ohio Valley called them the Arkansas, or “south wind”.

Why did people not settle at Arkansas Post?

The French settlement began to trade with the Quapaw tribe of Osotouy. The trading post proved unsuccessful, and the French, unable to compete with the British fur trade, abandoned the settlement in 1699.

Why is it illegal to say Arkansas wrong?

This law regulates how to say the name Arkansas. Its a great law. It basically says that a person must pronounce the name of the state in a specific way. The pronunciation is not up for discussion, its not based on whether youre from New England or the Midwest, or your mood that day, its regulated by law.

Why is Arkansas spelled that way?

Arkansas was named for the French plural of a Native American tribe, while Kansas is the English spelling of a similar one. Since the letter s at the end of French words is usually silent, we pronounce Bill Clintons home state Arkansaw. The French, however, left their mark on Arkansas pronunciation.

When was the first Arkansas Post abandoned?

Following the Louisiana Purchase (1803), Arkansas Post served as the first capital of the Arkansas Territory (1819–21). Confederate troops fortified the area during the American Civil War, but it fell to Union troops. The town subsequently declined when bypassed by the railroads and was abandoned by the 1890s.

What side was Arkansas on in the Civil War?

Confederate During the American Civil War, Arkansas was a Confederate state, though it had initially voted to remain in the Union. Following the capture of Fort Sumter in April 1861, Abraham Lincoln called for troops from every Union state to put down the rebellion, and Arkansas and several other states seceded.