Though last week marked the 178th year of Little Rock being a City (November 2), today marks Little Rock’s official birthday as a chartered, officially recognized municipality.

On November 7, 1831, the Arkansas Territory officially recognized the Town of Little Rock and authorized a government to be formed and a Mayor and Aldermen to be elected.

There are several earlier and later days which could be used to mark Little Rock’s official birth (LaHarpe sighting in 1722, first settler in 1812, permanent settlement in 1820, selection of trustees in 1825, City of First Class in 1875) — but it is November 7, 1831, which has been the officially recognized and accepted date.  In 1931, Little Rock celebrated her centennial.