Little Rock, city in central Arkansas, capital of the state, and seat of Pulaski County. The city is situated on a bluff on the south bank of the Arkansas River, opposite North Little Rock. Little Rock is a financial, commercial, manufacturing, and distribution center for a region with abundant sources of raw materials, including petroleum, natural gas, coal, and timber. Among the city's products are communications, aerospace, and electronic equipment; lumber and wood products; printed materials; and processed food. Little Rock Air Force Base is nearby. The area is served by Little Rock National Airport at Adams Field.
Attractions in Little Rock include the State Capitol, inaugurated in 1911; the Governor's Mansion; Quapaw Quarter, a district of restored buildings that includes the Old State House; the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, a group of restored homes dating from the early 19th century; and MacArthur Park, containing the Arkansas Arts Center, the Museum of Science and History, and the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur. A leading annual event is Riverfest, held Memorial Day weekend. The city is home to Philander Smith College (1877), the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (1879), Arkansas Baptist College (1884), a campus (founded in 1927) of the University of Arkansas, and two junior colleges.
