Eight Must-Visit Historic Landmarks of Little Rock, AR

The Arkansas River was just another unexplored corner of the French Empire in 1722 until the explorer Bernard de la Harpe led an expedition up the river. In April of 1722, Bernard noticed an outcropping of rock along the river’s western bank. It was the first outcropping of rock on the riverbank he’d seen since he left New Orleans. He named the rock “La Petit Roche,” and his expedition continued. 

Over the years, La Petit Roche served as an important landmark for exploration expeditions, trading parties, and political treaties as the territory passed from French to Spanish hands and eventually became a part of the United States. The city that sprang up around La Petit Roche came to be known as Little Rock. 

Little Rock has played a crucial role in defining the South – and, by extension, America’s – historical landscape and legacy. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, involvement in the Civil War, and the city's influence on America’s 42nd President, Bill Clinton. 

Join us as we unravel Little Rock’s rich history across eight of the city’s must-visit historic landmarks, each telling a unique story that helped shape the nation. 

La Petit Roche 

We’ll start our tour of Little Rock’s history in the same spot that stood out to Bernard de la Harpe in April of 1722, La Petit Roche – the Little Rock. The city’s namesake can be hard to miss today, as it’s tucked in the middle of Julius Breckling Riverfront Park at the foot of Junction Bridge. 

For a century before the town was settled, the Little Rock marked the crossing of the north and south trails for settlers passing through the area, letting them know that the Arkansas River could be forded here. 

Visitors to this square can stroll along pathways steeped in history, with markers and plaques detailing the narratives of the explorers who helped build Little Rock. From its humble origins to the bustling city it is today, La Petit Roche is a contemplative space, inviting all to connect with the roots of this charming southern city and the river it was built around. 

Quapaw Quarter 

The Quapaw Quarter doesn’t have a single landmark or visitor’s center to drop by, making it the most nebulous addition to our list today. This historic district made the list because of its impressive display of Little Rock’s architectural heritage. Named after the Quapaw Native Americans, this quarter boasts a remarkable array of preserved 19th-century homes. The architectural diversity, from Greek Revival to Colonial, provides a window into what Little Rock looked like hundreds of years ago. 

Set aside some time during your tour through Little Rock’s history to wander through the preserved neighborhoods of the Quapaw Quarter. Some of these homes date back to the 1840s, making them witnesses and survivors of the Civil War. Beyond their architectural allure, the Quapaw Quarter embodies a commitment to preserving the character of Little Rock. 

Mount Holly Cemetery 

In February of 1843, Little Rock businessmen donated four blocks of the city to be used as a cemetery. Mount Holly Cemetery is full of weather gravestones and winding pathways that testify of the city’s diverse history and honor some of its most accomplished residents. 

From Civil War veterans to Pulitzer Prize winners and from slaves to suffragettes, the people of Mount Holly are described as “a microcosm of American history – not just Arkansas” by the cemetery’s organization. 

Before you begin your self-guided tour of Mount Holly, stop by the Victorian Bell House in the center of the cemetery for informational brochures that will guide you through the storied past of Mount Holly. 

Old State House Museum 

The Old State House of Little Rock holds the title of the oldest-standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi. Construction began in 1833 and was the seat of power in Arkansas until 1911. 

The history of the Old State House is as turbulent as Arkansas’ early history. When the building was completed in 1836, it fell almost immediately into disrepair. Ceiling beams shrunk and cracked, wall plaster crumbled, and an entire section of the wall in the west wing collapsed. During the 1840s, Arkansas was a poor frontier state, and the legislature simply didn’t have the money for anything other than patchwork repairs. 

During the Civil War, the State House was used by Confederate officials until Union troops occupied Little Rock in September 1863. The State House was looted by fleeing Confederate officials and then by advancing Union troops throughout the war, adding to the building’s dilapidated state. 

The State House continued to receive only patchwork repairs and minor renovations through the turbulent years of Reconstruction. When the Arkansas State Legislature moved to the new Capitol Building, the State House was covered in graffiti and practically coming apart. 

It wasn’t until Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1933, a century after construction began on the State House, that significant repairs were made. The Old State House as we know it today opened to the public as a historical sight and museum in 1951. Today, the Old State House Museum is home to a variety of permanent and traveling exhibits that celebrate the history, heritage, and culture of the great state of Arkansas. 

Arkansas State Capitol 

Before construction began on the Arkansas State Capitol in 1899, the land was used as a prison yard that held both Union and then Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. This imposing, neo-classical building was made from native Arkansas limestone and took more than fifteen years to complete. Since 1915, the Arkansas State Capitol has housed the ebb and flow of political discourse, shaping the state's destiny. 

The Arkansas State Capitol invites visitors to study its architecture's elegant yet understated details. Visitors will journey through the state’s political evolution and gain insight into the daily workings of a vital institution of modern democracy. 

Arkansas Governor’s Mansion 

The Arkansas Governor’s Mansion was built in 1950, making it one of the newest historic landmarks in Little Rock. For more than seventy years, this stately residence has housed Arkansas’ governors and has hosted historic events in Arkansas’ modern history. In 1957, then-Governor Orval Faubus made decisions involving the desegregation crisis from the Mansion. President-Elect Bill Clinton used the Governor’s Mansion as a transitional headquarters before his inauguration in the winter of 1992-1993. 

The Mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have led Arkansas both as a historic residence and a symbolic seat of power. While the Mansion’s Georgian Colonial architecture provides a timeless elegance, the Mansion’s role in shaping the state’s destiny is just as profound.

Little Rock Central High School 

Little Rock Central High is arguably the most famous high school in America. The building’s striking architecture and historical significance make Little Rock Central a beacon of resilience that commands attention. 

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Brown v Board of Education case, public schools in the United States were racially desegregated in the mid-1950s, a decision that was hotly contested by Southern states. 

When nine African-American high school students were chosen to be the first Black students to attend Little Rock Central High School. The Arkansas Governor ordered the National Guard to assist enraged mobs of white citizens and block the Black students from entering the school. 

In September 1957, World War Two hero and President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, ordered the 101st Airborne Division to escort the Little Rock Nine past jeering, angry crowds and into school. 

The National Parks Service offers guided tours of the high school, allowing you to experience this pivotal moment of American history up close and personal. Tours fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your tour as far in advance as possible. 

Little Rock Nine Memorial 

When you’ve finished your tour of Little Rock Central High School, take a few extra minutes to travel to the Arkansas State Capitol to visit the Little Rock Nine memorial and complete your tour of the Little Rock Civil Rights Movement in Little Rock. 

The Little Rock Nine incident drew national and international attention, and the Little Rock Nine became a symbol of the courageous efforts of African-Americans who struggled for equality during the Civil Rights Movement. The Little Rock Nine Memorial, situated on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds, commemorates these brave students' indomitable spirit.

River Market District 

The River Market District in Little Rock was born from a $300 million riverfront development project to revitalize a section of the Quapaw Quarter. Before the River Market re-opened to the public in 1996, the land was plagued by abandoned or condemned buildings. 

Rooted in the historical significance of the Arkansas River, this district has emerged as a testament to Little Rock's evolution. Once a bustling hub for riverfront trade, the district has seamlessly adapted to the contemporary while retaining its historic charm. 

Today, as you wander through the cobblestone streets, it’s easy to envision the Arkansas River teeming with the steamboats that were the lifeline for commerce and essential to the city’s expansion. Little Rock’s heritage resonates in the eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces that define the River Market. 

SoMa Little Rock 

Much like the River District, SoMa – South Main Street in Little Rock – is a revitalized part of the city. SoMa further enriches the tapestry of Little Rock’s history and showcases its culture. As you explore the shops and eateries of SoMa and the River District, you’ll experience the essence of Little Rock’s enduring spirit.

Stay at Urban Cottages of Little Rock 

After a day traveling through the history of Little Rock, come back and unwind at the Urban Cottages of Little Rock. Nestled in the heart of the Quapaw Quarter, our modern cottages offer a relaxing retreat near Little Rock’s most notable historic landmarks.

Urban Cottages provide an ideal haven for travelers and history enthusiasts alike with modern amenities, cozy accommodations, and a location that places you at the center of the city's rich history. Whether you seek a peaceful refuge after a day of exploration or a central hub for your Little Rock adventures, the Urban Cottages promise a delightful stay in the charming embrace of this historic southern city. Book your stay today and let the legacy of Little Rock unfold right at your doorstep.