Little Rock

Little Rock (pop. 158,500), state capital and principal commercial center of Arkansas, on the Arkansas River. Little Rock, originally a river crossing, became the capital of the Arkansas territory in 1821. During the Civil War it was a Confederate stronghold but was captured by the Union forces in 1863. Today it produces metal products, cottonseed, cotton fabrics, furniture, hardwood products, electronic equipment, and processed meats. In 1957 Little Rock became a center of the civil rights struggle when federal troops were mobilized to enforce the desegregation of Central High School.

See also: Arkansas.