Little Rock city (1990 pop. 175,795), state capital and seat of Pulaski co., central Ark., on the Arkansas River; inc. 1831. It is a river port and the administrative, commercial, transportation, and cultural center of the state. The city's industries process agricultural products, fish, beef, poultry, and bauxite and timber. Its manufacturing industries are closely related with those of North Little Rock across the river.

The settlement was a well-known river crossing when Arkansas Territory was established in 1819. It became territorial capital in 1821 and state capital when Arkansas entered the Union in 1836. In the Civil War the battle of Little Rock (1863) was fought there. The city became a center of world attention in 1957, when federal troops were sent there to enforce a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against segregation in the public schools.

Little Rock is the seat of Philander Smith College, Arkansas Baptist College, the Univ. of Arkansas at Little Rock, and several other branches of the university, including the law and medical schools. Of interest are the beautiful Old State House, which served as capitol from 1836 to 1910 and is now a museum; several other museums, including the Arkansas Arts Center; and the Clinton presidential library. The present capitol building was built in 1911. The city also contains several state institutions and has a noteworthy symphony orchestra. Little Rock Air Force Base is in nearby Jacksonville.

Little Rock Capital and largest city of Arkansas, USA, on the Arkansas River. Founded in 1814, it became the state capital in 1821. In 1957 federal troops enforced a US Supreme Court ruling against racial segregation in schools. Industries: electronics, textiles. Pop. (2000) 183,133.

Little Rock

The City in Brief

Founded: 1820 (incorporated 1835)

Head Official: Mayor Jim Dailey (NP) (since 1995; current term expires in 2006)

City Population

1980: 158,915

1990: 175,727

2000: 183,133

2003 estimate: 184,053

Percent change, 1990–2000: 4.2%

U.S. rank in 1990: 96th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 128th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 474,484

1990: 513,026

2000: 583,845

Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.8%

U.S. rank in 1990: 71st

U.S. rank in 2000: 73rd

Area: 116 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 300 feet to 630 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 62.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 45.73 inches of rain; 5.2 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: services, wholesale and retail trade, government

Unemployment rate: 4.3% (November 2004)

Per Capita Income: $23,209 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 20,680

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Webster University

Daily Newspaper: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette