The city of Little Rock, Arkansas is the states capital city and largest city. The city of Little Rock acts as the county seat for Pulaski County and based on the most recent 2010 census, the Little Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area supports just under 700,000 inhabitants. This statistical area included the Little-Rock-North Little Rock-Pine Bluff, Arkansas Combined Statistical Area which, according to the census of that same year had roughly 877,100 inhabitants living there. This number registered as the 47th largest combined statistical area in the US. The city of Little Rock itself had a population in the year 2010 of 193,524 individuals making it the 118th biggest city within America.
Little Rock is situated on Arkansas River's banks. The southern banks of the Arkansas River boasts a tiny stone outcropping and rock formation which provides the city of Little Rock its name. This particular rock formation is known as la Petite Roche, that is French for "little rock." Little Rock itself is situated near the geographic center of Arkansas State. Early travelers and river traffic utilized the "little rock" as a landmark and this eventually turned into a well established river crossing. La Petit Roche was named by French explorer and trader Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe. This region marked the transition from the Ouachita Mountain foothills to the flat Mississippi Delta region.
Prior to the European arrival, Native American tribes have occupied the region for thousands years surrounding Central Arkansas. There are many archaeological artifacts located in the region which supports these findings. Amongst the original settlers within the region comprised Bluff Dwellers, the different Mississippian culture civilizations who constructed many earthwork mounds which were recorded by Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto's expedition during 1541. Furthermore, the Folsom people also have evidence of settling the area. Some historical tribes from the region comprise the Caddo, Cherokee, Osage, Choctaw and the Quapaw.
The city of Little Rock has plenty of things for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. There are numerous yearly events providing historic and cultural displays. There are likewise many recreational locations to take in. Amongst the most famous locations consist of the Little Rock Zoo, that initially opened their doors during 1926 with only 2 animals! These days they proudly represent over 200 species with over 725 animals. General Douglas MacArthur's place of birth is amongst the oldest buildings in central Arkansas. It consists of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and opened during the year 2001. General Douglas MacArthur was a great supreme commander within the South Pacific during the second World War for the U.S. forces.
Little Rock is considered the major economic hub of the state with major employment sectors within banking, federal, state and local government, and through numerous medical facilities. There are other industries that provide numerous jobs in the region such as the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, the Arkansas Children's Hospital and The University Arkansas for Medical Services. manufacturing, education, aviation, transportation and education all considerably contribute to the overall success of Little Rock.
Another important economic sector in the city of Little Rock is in agriculture. A major state export continues to be aircraft and spacecraft products. One of the promising businesses for the city of Little Rock is the medical biotechnology research program of the University of Arkansas. The university provides a lot of support to start-up biotechnology companies and is a major part of the program.