The Little Rock

On the south bank of the Arkansas River, just below the Interstate 30 bridge, a small rocky outcropping is embedded in the riverbank — this is the actual "little rock" that gave the city its name. French explorers called it La Petite Roche to distinguish it from the larger rock formation on the north bank (La Grande Roche, now in North Little Rock).

It is not a dramatic sight, but it is a genuine piece of the city's origin, and the riverfront walk here is pleasant. A small marker identifies the spot. The Arkansas River Trail passes directly alongside and connects to Riverfront Park.

things to do sight
A story
The city is named for a small outcropping of rock on the south bank of the Arkansas River, used as a landmark by French explorers and river travellers long before European settlement. The "big rock" on the north bank was used as the landmark by travellers coming from the north — the smaller south-bank rock became the reference point for the river crossing and eventually gave the city its name.

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