Historical Markers in
Benton County, Arkansas

A Crisis in Command A Fierce Tangle in Morgan's Woods A Long, Cold Hungry March A Perfect Storm of Shot and Shell A Village Full of Wounded Men Air Force Cross – Navy Cross – Distinguished Service Cross All Vietnam Veterans Memorial Arkansas & Oklahoma Railroad Arvest Bank Benton County First Court House Benton County Hardware Benton County National Bank Big Tree Bronze Star Medal Camp Walker Canning Factory City of Soldiers Col. Samuel W. Peel House Cold War Confederate Sunset Cross Hollows Cross Hollows Daisy Airgun Museum "Dat De Shpot, Sergent!" Democratic Architecture / Usonian Characteristics Disastrous Retreat Distinguished Flying Cross Dug Hill Community Center Dunagin's Farm Eagle Hotel Elkhorn Tavern Taken Evaporator Near Railroad Track F-101B Voodoo Fiery Finale on Ruddick's Field First United Methodist Church Frank Lloyd Wright / Architectural Value Frisco Depot Getting Ready To Fight Hard Fighting Near Leetown Harris Baking Company Historic Rogers Post Office Building Integrating With Nature / The Journey It was the Grandest Thing I Ever Saw... Korea Leetown Legion of Merit Lewis & Clark Expedition Lifeline for Two Armies Lowell Postal Service Medal of Honor Mexican War Night Moves Old City Jail Operation Iraqi Freedom Original Site of Bloomington (Mudtown) Arkansas Pea Ridge Pea Ridge and the Trail of Tears Persian Gulf War Potts' Hill Purple Heart Remembrance and Reunion Reunited Soldiery Monument Rev. James M. Ingram Revolutionary War Save the Cannon! Sesquicentennial Trail of the Centuries Silver Star Medal Slaughter in the Rocks Stand to Your Posts! Terry Block Texas Memorial That Beautiful Charge The Alamo The Bank of Lowell The Battle of Maysville The Butterfield Overland Mail Route The Butterfield Stagecoach Road The Enemy Is Behind Us! The Terrible Cost of World War II The War Between the States The War in Afghanistan The Years Between They Passed This Way Train Depot Triumph in Europe Two Armies Collide U.S. Army Headquarters 1862 United States Commanders in Chief United States Commanders in Chief United States Commanders in Chief United States Commanders in Chief United States Commanders in Chief United States Commanders in Chief United States Commanders in Chief Van Winkle's Mill Veterans Wall of Honor Victory in the Pacific Victory Theater Vietnam Vulnerable in Victory Walton's 5 &10 War Eagle Mill War Eagle Mills War Eagle Mills Farm War of 1812 War on Terrorism War with Spain Where I Knew I Might Make the Best Fight Women in World War II World War I World War II Home Front
The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962 by Sam Walton, who went on to build one of the largest retail chains in the world. Today, Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Arkansas random facts
Benton County, located in the northwestern part of Arkansas, has a rich history that dates back centuries. Native American tribes, including the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw, inhabited the area long before European settlers arrived. The first known European exploration of the region was conducted by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, followed by French explorers in the 17th century. However, it was not until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that the area officially became part of the United States.

The first permanent settlements in Benton County were established in the early 19th century. The county was officially formed on September 30, 1836, with the town of Bentonville chosen as its county seat. The county was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a prominent U.S. senator from Missouri. Agriculture played a significant role in the early economy of Benton County, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The development of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people across the region.

During the Civil War, Benton County was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, resulting in several skirmishes and battles taking place within its borders. Notably, the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862 was one of the most significant battles of the war in the region. After the war ended, Benton County began to rebuild and experienced a period of industrial growth. The lumber and mining industries thrived, and new businesses and educational institutions emerged.

In the 20th century, Benton County saw significant development and modernization. The construction of Beaver Dam on the White River led to the creation of Beaver Lake, which has become a popular recreational area. The county's economy diversified, with the rise of poultry farming, manufacturing, and the retail industry. Today, Benton County is one of the fastest-growing regions in Arkansas, with a diverse and dynamic economy, a thriving cultural scene, and a rich historical heritage that continues to shape its growth and identity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Benton County, Arkansas.

  • 1836 - Benton County established
  • 1838 - First post office opened in Benton County
  • 1846 - County seat established in Bentonville
  • 1861 - Civil War begins, Benton County largely supports the Confederacy
  • 1867 - Bentonville becomes the permanent county seat
  • 1872 - University of Arkansas established in Fayetteville
  • 1903 - First automobile arrives in Benton County
  • 1941 - United States enters World War II, Benton County contributes to the war effort
  • 1998 - Walmart opens its first Supercenter in Bentonville
  • 2010 - Population of Benton County exceeds 200,000