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Bentonville, Arkansas

The unlikely global headquarters of Walmart, the world's largest company by revenue, Bentonville transformed from a quiet Ozark town into a corporate powerhouse. Sam Walton opened his first Walton's five-and-dime here in 1950. Today it's also an emerging art destination thanks to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Founded 1836 | Population 62,030 | Peak 62,030 (2024) | County Benton County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Bentonville, Arkansas

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1836Founded: Bentonville was established as the county seat of Benton County in the Arkansas Ozarks.

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1862Battle of Pea Ridge: The Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge nearby was one of the most significant engagements west of the Mississippi.

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1950Sam Walton Arrives: Sam Walton opened Walton's Five and Dime on the town square, the seed of what became Walmart.

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1962First Walmart: Sam Walton opened the first Walmart Discount City store in Rogers, just north of Bentonville.

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2011Crystal Bridges Opens: Alice Walton opened Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, instantly making Bentonville a cultural destination.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1836 Culture

Founded

1862 Disaster

Battle of Pea Ridge

1950 Business

Sam Walton Arrives

1962 Business

First Walmart

2011 Culture

Crystal Bridges Opens

Did You Know?

Walmart's global headquarters is in Bentonville.

Sam Walton opened Walton's 5&10 here in 1950.

Crystal Bridges Museum was built by Alice Walton with $1.2 billion in art.

Bentonville is located in Benton County, Arkansas.

Bentonville was founded in 1836.

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