1820: On February 7, the first elected Territorial General Assembly meets at Arkansas Post. In March, Amos Wheeler opens a post office at Little Rock. On April 20, the “Comet,” first steam packet to travel up the Lower Arkansas River, ties up at Arkansas Post . In October, General Andrew Jackson signs a treaty with the Choctaw nation, granting the Choctaw lands in western Arkansas.
1821: Books promoting the beauty and potential of Arkansas are published by explorers Henry Schoolcraft and Thomas Nuttall. On June 1 the territorial government, seeking higher ground for a home, moves from Arkansas Post to Little Rock.
1822: The steam packet “Eagle” reaches Little Rock on March 22, the first steam vessel to reach that far.
1828: A post road between Little Rock and Memphis is under construction; the Cherokee are persuaded to give up their northwest Arkansas lands and to move further west.
1833: A new “courthouse” for the territory, to become the first state capitol, is under construction in Little Rock.
1835: On November 12, Tennessee politician David Crockett pauses in Little Rock, while traveling to Texas on business.
1838: A steam-powered ferry begins operation at Little Rock.
1840: The Federal government begins construction of its Arsenal in Little Rock.
1853: Arkansas’ first railroad, the Arkansas Central, is chartered by the Legislature.
