Little Rock, Arkansas is a small city with a big heart and a deep history that ranges from the silly to the serious, including being a formative location for efforts of the civil rights movement and a historic civil war site. With something for everyone to learn about and enjoy, once you delve into the history and culture of this charming place, you may find yourself looking for Little Rock Houses for Sale and becoming part of the town’s history yourself. Here are some of the things that Little Rock is known for.

1. American Civil Rights History
The landmark legal case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka mandated that all public schools no longer segregate white and Black students. In 1957, when a second ruling opposed the decision and the Arkansas National Guard attempted to block the entry of nine African-American students from entering Central High School, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to protect the students and allow their entry into the school. Regarded as a profound victory for civil rights, Little Rock maintains the memory of these fateful rulings and the victory over segregation.

2. The Only Purse Museum in the United States
Far from the seriousness of the above historical facts, the ESSE Purse Museum & Store is the only museum of its kind in the United States. The museum has a permanent exhibit called “What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags 1900-1999,” as well as temporary exhibits featured on a quarterly basis. Founded by Anita Davis with the hope of exploring history, art, and femininity through the object and aesthetics of the purse, this museum is a marvel in Little Rock that appeals to locals and tourists alike.

3. Birthplace of the Cheese Dog
The beloved American hot dog with a melted cheese-filled center originated in Little Rock in 1956. It was an invention of the Finkbeiner Meat Packing Company, which was run by former professional wrestling entrepreneur Chris Finkbeiner. While several varieties have popped up over the years, including Texas Tommies and Seattle-dogs, the tried-and-true original recipe is well-regarded in its birthplace.

4. Last Remaining Gone with the Wind Filming Location
It is believed that all of the structures included in the classic 1939 film Gone With the Wind are no longer standing. All except for one, that is. The Old Mill in North Little Rock, located in the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, was featured in the opening scene of the film and remains a tourist attraction to this day. It was built in 1933 as an authentic reproduction of an old water-powered grist mill.

5. Battle of Pea Ridge
Also known as the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, this American Civil War battle in March of 1862 proved to be a stunning loss for the Confederate Army. Union forces took control of Arkansas and Missouri. The battlefield is now Pea Ridge National Military Park, and is regarded as one of the most well-preserved Civil War battlefields. The park includes a reconstruction of Elkhorn Tavern and a depiction of a fight scene.