Peacock Helps Launch La Petite Roche Tricentennial
Little Rock Region to Mark 300 Years Since Namesake Discovery
Next month, the La Petite Roche Tricentennial task force will kick off the La Petite Roche Tricentennial, a year-long effort marking 300 years since French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de La Harpe and his crew first came upon “la petite roche” or “the little rock” that gave the Little Rock region its name. Over the first two weeks in April, the family-friendly gathering will include service days, a free community concert with fireworks, attraction exhibits and educational programs highlighting the importance of this discovery in central Arkansas and for the state.
"The tricentennial anniversary provides community members and visitors with the unique opportunity to rediscover the rock and celebrate the diverse history of our region,” said Denver Peacock, La Petite Roche Tricentennial chairperson. “We hope residents from across the state and region will join us for the kickoff to mark this milestone anniversary year.”
While the complete list of events and details can be found online at littlerock.com/300, the following are the key highlights for the kickoff celebration:
Friday, April 1
Arkansas Historic Preservation: Sandwiching in History: La Petite Roche
Saturday, April 2 & April 9
City Church Network’s La Petite Roche Serve Days
Tuesday, April 5
La Petite Roche Landing at Sturgis Plaza in Riverfront Park Media Opportunity with Consul General of France (Houston) Valerie Baraban (TBD)
Rotary Club of Little Rock: Consul General of France Valerie Baraban
Wednesday, April 6
CALS’ Legacies & Lunch: Arkansas Geological Survey on the geology of the Arkansas River basin around La Petite Roche with Angela Chandler
Riverfront Park’s Tricentennial Jazz in the Park
Thursday, April 7
UA Little Rock Downtown: Little Rock: A Pivotal Point on the Trail of Tears by Dr. Daniel Littlefield of the Sequoyah National Research Center
Historic Arkansas Museum: History is Served: Arkansas Foodways Dinner Series featuring Quapaw Cuisine (date to be finalized)
Friday, April 8
Arkansas State Archives: Finding the French Rock: de la Harpe Lecture by Dr. David Ware
Tricentennial 2nd Friday Art Night in Little Rock’s River Market District
Saturday, April 9: Tricentennial Commemoration and Dedication Day
La Petite Roche Tricentennial Dedication Event
Family-friendly activities, kid rides, bounce houses, vendors and cultural and historic offerings with the Early Arkansaw Reenactors Association, Quapaw Nation and others
Fireworks celebration and free community concert with Randall Shreve and the DeVilles, Philander Smith Collegiate Choir and others
Wednesday, April 13
Old State House Museum’s Monthly Lunch Lecture: Tricentennial of La Petite Roche by Scott Carter
Wednesday, April 13
Old State House Museum’s Monthly Lunch Lecture: Tricentennial of La Petite Roche by Scott Carter
“Much has happened in the Little Rock region since La Harpe visited and gave us our name,” said City of Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. “Some of it has been good, some have not – but it has all shaped us into the city we are today. Little Rock remains a place with potential and possibility, and we are a much more diverse and welcoming city than in 1722, 1822, or 1922. As we look ahead, there are more exciting opportunities that will allow us to build on the legacy of the past as we fulfill the promise of the future.”
La Petite Roche was discovered in 1722 by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Benard de La Harpe. The spot is now commemorated at the Sturgis Plaza at La Petite Roche heritage site, located in Little Rock’s Riverfront Park.
In the late 1940s, longtime Arkansas Gazette editor and owner J. N. Heiskell was discussing what he felt was Little Rock’s lack of awareness of its place in history and its importance. In a speech he said:
“The 200th anniversary of the discovery of our rock was allowed to pass absolutely unnoticed. If the year 2022 should pass with no proper observance of the Tercentennial* of the discovery of the historic rock, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
For more information about La Petite Roche Tricentennial events, visit littlerock.com/300.