The Arkansas Territory was established on March 2, 1819, as a part of the United States. It was created from the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase and included present-day Arkansas and parts of Missouri. The territory was governed by a territorial legislature and a governor appointed by the President. In 1836, the Arkansas Territory became the 25th state of the United States. The capital of the territory was initially located in Little Rock, which later became the state capital. The region was known for its rich natural resources and played a significant role in the westward expansion of the country.