Big Rock, Little Rock
Thomas wanted to know why Little Rock was called Little Rock. We told him about how there is a big rock (cliffs) and a little further downstream there is a little rock (a smaller rock outcropping) that were used as landmarks by early explorers. We decided we should take him to each location. We went to a place called Emerald Park in North Little Rock and saw the big rock first. It doesn't look like it used to since it was once a quary and they have blasted a lot of rock, but they are impressive cliffs with a great view. It was a beautiful fall day and we brought the boys' bikes.
They had fun "exploring" a little off of the path as well. Here Thomas is pointing to the big rock.
A few days later I took the kids to look for the little rock. This piece of the little rock has been here as a historical marker since 1932. "La petite roche" was first spotted and dubbed the "little rock" by French explorer Bernard de la Harpe in 1722.
Here is another of several new historical markers near the little rock.
The "little rock" was blasted is 1872 to form the footing for a railroad bridge that has now been turned into a walking bridge across the river. One piece was put into a time capsule that was opened in 2007 and installed by the river in 2010.
This was a fun experience and I learned a lot myself.
