History

The land that is now MacArthur Park has played a central role in Little Rock’s history for nearly two centuries. Originally used as a horse racing track in the 1830s, the property was purchased by the U.S. War Department in 1836 for the construction of the Little Rock Arsenal. During the Civil War, the arsenal was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces, and in 1880, the historic Tower Building became the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur.

In 1892, after the military post closed, the federal government transferred the property to the City of Little Rock with the condition that it be preserved as a public park forever. The park was officially renamed MacArthur Park in 1942 in honor of General MacArthur. Over the following decades, it evolved into the city’s premier civic park while preserving its historic character. Today, the park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains home to the restored Tower Building, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Arkansas Korean War Veterans Memorial, and numerous recreational amenities, making it one of Little Rock’s most treasured public spaces.