The history of Little Rock begins in the 18th century with the arrival of a French explorer, Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe. He came upon a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River and named it the little rock or "la Petite Roche '' in French. In the early 1800s, Land speculators claimed the land in Little Rock and named the region "Arkopolis." However, the name changed to Little Rock in the fall of 1821. While the region was part of the Louisiana Purchase, the town did not emerge until 1820, when some men settled there. In 1821, the state's territorial capital moved to Little Rock, and it became a town in 1831. The state incorporated Little Rock as a city in 1835, resulting in schools, telegraph, and street lighting. The city grew significantly until the Civil War, when economic activity declined. After the Civil War, the Reconstruction Era began, and the city experienced growth and development. The 20th century brought advances and developments in the city, including the City Hall, Little Rock Airport, and the Little Rock Zoo. The town built more schools and institutions of higher learning before and after World War I and II. Since then, the city has increased in area and population, and also become home to major industries.

Little Rock played a significant role during the Civil Rights movement. You can start by visiting Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site. The site was formerly an active high school, but it is now a museum that educates visitors about the events that occurred in Little Rock in the 1950s. Such events led to the desegregation of public schools in the south and later the country.
Don't remain indoors because Pinnacle Mountain State Park is about a 20-minute drive from the city center. Locals and visitors go to the park to escape the city's hustle and explore more than 22 miles of hiking trails. You can ride your bicycle, go canoeing at the Little Maumelle Rivers, and spend some time kayaking.
Do you know the history of purses and handbags? Visit the only purse museum in the United States in Little Rock's chic Quapaw Quarter. There are permanent exhibits at the Esse Purse Museum & Store that explore handbags history since the early 1900s when women started to carry their essentials outside the house. Learn about the various handbag styles that have emerged over the years in the temporary exhibits that focus on specific themes.
Go shopping at the River Market Entertainment District and experience fantastic breakfast, lunch, and brunch spots that will challenge your imagination. Restaurants and specialty shops offer residents a unique experience. At the same time, the Farmers Market features fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement your meals.