Bentonville, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bentonville, Arkansas
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|||
 Bentonville, Arkansas
Location in Arkansas
Bentonville, Arkansas
Location in the United States
|
|||
| Country | United States | ||
| State | Arkansas | ||
| County | Benton | ||
| Incorporated | April 3, 1873 | ||
| Named for | Originally Osage Indians Thomas Hart Benton |
||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 34.25 sq mi (88.70 km2) | ||
| • Land | 34.05 sq mi (88.19 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.20 sq mi (0.52 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 1,266 ft (386 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
|
|||
| • Total | 54,164 | ||
| • Estimate
(2022)
|
57,868  |
||
| • Density | 1,590.72/sq mi (614.19/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | ||
| ZIP codes |
72712, 72713, 72716
|
||
| Area code(s) | 479 | ||
| FIPS code | 05-05320 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2403857 | ||
Bentonville is a city in the state of Arkansas, USA. It's the ninth-largest city in Arkansas and the main city of Benton County. Bentonville is famous for being the home of Walmart, the world's biggest store chain.
The city is part of a larger area called the Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. This area had over 546,000 people in 2020. Bentonville itself had about 54,000 people in 2020, which was a huge increase from 2010. It's one of the fastest-growing and safest cities in Arkansas!
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Early Days
Long ago, the area that is now Bentonville was used for hunting by the Osage Nation. They lived in Missouri but would come to this area for months to hunt. Around 1837, European settlers arrived and started farms. They first called their settlement "Osage."
When Benton County was created in 1836, Osage was chosen as the county seat. The town was later renamed Bentonville to honor Thomas Hart Benton, a senator from Missouri who supported Arkansas becoming a state.
Growth and Challenges
In 1838, thousands of Cherokee people passed through Benton County. This was part of the Trail of Tears, a difficult journey to what is now Oklahoma.
During the American Civil War, Bentonville was occupied by both armies. Most of its buildings were burned down. The city was a starting point for the Confederate army before the Battle of Pea Ridge, which happened nearby.
After the war, the city began to rebuild around 1873. Many of these buildings are still the oldest ones in Bentonville today. In 1883, a railroad line was built to connect Bentonville to the nearby town of Rogers. This helped the area's apple industry grow, and by 1901, Benton County was a top apple producer!
The Twentieth Century and Beyond
In the 1920s and 1930s, Benton County became known for raising chickens. This industry is still important today. The economy grew after World War II, and many new businesses started.
A big change happened in 1950 when Sam Walton bought a store in downtown Bentonville. He opened "Walton’s 5 and 10 Variety Store" in 1951. This small store grew into Walmart, the world's largest retailer. Walmart still has a huge impact on Bentonville today.
In recent years, Bentonville has seen less manufacturing. Instead, it has focused on tourism and outdoor activities. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which opened in 2011, also brings many visitors. This has made Bentonville the fastest-growing city in Arkansas!
About Bentonville's Location and Weather
Where is Bentonville?
Bentonville is located in Benton County, Arkansas. The city covers about 34 square miles (88 square kilometers). A small part of this area is water.
Bentonville is part of the larger Northwest Arkansas region. This region also includes Madison and Washington counties. The population of this area has grown a lot, from about 347,000 people in 2000 to over 463,000 in 2010.
Bentonville is next to Rogers to the east and Bella Vista to the north. The Northwest Arkansas National Airport is southwest of Bentonville. It connects the whole Northwest Arkansas region to other parts of the country.
Bentonville's Climate
Bentonville has a climate with all four seasons. Summers are hot, with July being the warmest month. Temperatures can reach over 90°F (32°C). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month. Temperatures can drop below freezing. The highest temperature ever recorded was 114°F (46°C) in 1954. The lowest was -16°F (-27°C) in 1996.
| Climate data for Bentonville, Arkansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1943–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 76 (24) |
86 (30) |
89 (32) |
96 (36) |
93 (34) |
103 (39) |
114 (46) |
107 (42) |
106 (41) |
95 (35) |
85 (29) |
78 (26) |
114 (46) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 46.2 (7.9) |
51.4 (10.8) |
60.0 (15.6) |
69.4 (20.8) |
76.6 (24.8) |
84.8 (29.3) |
89.4 (31.9) |
89.5 (31.9) |
82.2 (27.9) |
71.4 (21.9) |
59.0 (15.0) |
49.2 (9.6) |
69.1 (20.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 35.2 (1.8) |
39.3 (4.1) |
47.8 (8.8) |
56.7 (13.7) |
65.3 (18.5) |
73.8 (23.2) |
78.0 (25.6) |
77.3 (25.2) |
69.7 (20.9) |
58.7 (14.8) |
47.4 (8.6) |
38.1 (3.4) |
57.3 (14.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 24.2 (−4.3) |
27.2 (−2.7) |
35.5 (1.9) |
44.0 (6.7) |
53.9 (12.2) |
62.9 (17.2) |
66.5 (19.2) |
65.2 (18.4) |
57.2 (14.0) |
45.9 (7.7) |
35.9 (2.2) |
26.9 (−2.8) |
45.4 (7.4) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −15 (−26) |
−16 (−27) |
−12 (−24) |
16 (−9) |
27 (−3) |
40 (4) |
45 (7) |
44 (7) |
30 (−1) |
18 (−8) |
5 (−15) |
−15 (−26) |
−16 (−27) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.70 (69) |
2.66 (68) |
4.24 (108) |
4.78 (121) |
6.26 (159) |
5.49 (139) |
3.87 (98) |
2.71 (69) |
4.05 (103) |
3.39 (86) |
3.92 (100) |
3.26 (83) |
47.33 (1,202) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 3.2 (8.1) |
2.3 (5.8) |
2.6 (6.6) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
1.2 (3.0) |
9.5 (24) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 6.1 | 5.2 | 7.9 | 8.6 | 9.8 | 8.9 | 6.9 | 5.6 | 6.6 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 6.1 | 85.2 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 3.1 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
People of Bentonville
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 696 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,677 | 140.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,843 | 9.9% | |
| 1910 | 1,956 | 6.1% | |
| 1920 | 2,313 | 18.3% | |
| 1930 | 2,203 | −4.8% | |
| 1940 | 2,359 | 7.1% | |
| 1950 | 2,942 | 24.7% | |
| 1960 | 3,649 | 24.0% | |
| 1970 | 5,508 | 50.9% | |
| 1980 | 8,756 | 59.0% | |
| 1990 | 11,257 | 28.6% | |
| 2000 | 19,730 | 75.3% | |
| 2010 | 35,301 | 78.9% | |
| 2020 | 54,164 | 53.4% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 59,471 | 68.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population Details
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 34,687 | 66.04% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 1,653 | 2.91% |
| Native American | 493 | 0.91% |
| Asian | 8,427 | 15.56% |
| Pacific Islander | 228 | 0.42% |
| Other/Mixed | 3,242 | 5.99% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 5,434 | 10.03% |
In 2020, Bentonville had 54,164 people living there. There were 18,223 households and 12,212 families.
In 2017, the city's population was 49,298. Most people were non-Hispanic white. There were also groups of Asian, Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander people. About 8.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Bentonville's Economy
| Rank | Employer |
|---|---|
| 1 | Walmart Inc. |
| 2 | Northwest Health System |
| 3 | Mercy of Northwest Arkansas |
| 4 | Bentonville School District |
| 5 | Benton County, Arkansas |
| 6 | City of Bentonville |
| 7 | Northwest Arkansas Community College |
| 8 | Arvest Bank Group, Inc |
| 9 | Outdoor Cap Company |
| 10 | Community Publishers |
Bentonville is the home of Walmart. Sam Walton bought a store here in 1950 and renamed it Walton's 5 & 10. Walmart grew very quickly. Helen Walton, Sam's wife, wanted to stay in Bentonville to raise their family. So, even when Walmart became a top company in 2002, its main office stayed in Bentonville.
Walmart's "Home Office" now has over 20 buildings in Bentonville. Many are along Walton Boulevard. In 2017, Walmart announced plans to build a new, central headquarters. This will bring many employees to one campus.
Walmart's presence also brings many other businesses to Bentonville. Over 1,100 companies that sell products to Walmart have offices in the area. This means many people from all over the United States move to Bentonville. This changes the city's culture and economy.
Bentonville also has a growing number of new businesses. There are many co-working spaces and places that help new companies get started.
Fun Things to Do and See
Bentonville's culture is a mix of Southern charm, small-town feel, and a global business center. It also has influences from the wider Northwest Arkansas area.
Many of Bentonville's first settlers came from other Southern states. They liked the Ozarks because it reminded them of the Appalachian Mountains. The area didn't have large farms with enslaved people like other parts of Arkansas. Instead, people lived in small groups and farmed for themselves.
Because Walmart is so important, Bentonville is also a hub for businesses from all over the world. Many people from India, for example, have moved to Bentonville for jobs at Walmart. This has led to interesting cultural mixes, like a local cricket league with 18 teams!
Walmart's presence is felt throughout Bentonville. From the Walmart Museum to its many office buildings. The Northwest Arkansas National Airport has direct flights to many big cities. This is unusual for an airport its size and is due to all the businesses here.
Art and Museums
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a major attraction. It was founded by Alice Walton in 2011. The museum has a huge collection of American art masterpieces. It's located close to downtown Bentonville.
Other interesting places to visit include:
- Walmart Museum: This museum is next to Sam Walton's first store, which is now a visitor center.
- Museum of Native American History: This museum shows the history, art, and culture of Native Americans.
- 21C Museum Hotel: This is a public museum and hotel that features art from the 21st century.
- Scott Family Amazeum: An interactive museum especially for children.
- The Momentary: A modern art museum and place for performances.
- Bentonville Public Library
The Bentonville Film Festival happens every May in downtown Bentonville. It started in 2015 and brings in over 85,000 people!
Historic Places
Bentonville has over 30 places listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This is a federal list of important places that should be saved.
The city has two historic neighborhoods: the Third Street Historic District and West Central Avenue Historic District. These areas have old homes known for their building styles. Famous houses include the Craig-Bryan House and the Peel Mansion Museum.
Other historic places include the Benton County Courthouse, the Benton County Jail, and the old Bentonville High School. There are also historic businesses like the Benton County National Bank and the Massey Hotel.
A Confederate monument was placed in the town square in 1908. It was moved from the square in September 2020 to a new park in July 2023.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
The Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department takes care of 22 parks. They also manage over 50 miles (80 km) of trails!
The city parks cover more than 300 acres (120 hectares). They offer many chances for learning, playing, and enjoying nature. The largest park is around Lake Bella Vista. It has a popular trail and a disc golf course.
Memorial Park has the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center. It also has fields for baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Merchants Baseball Park has hosted youth baseball since 1954. Park Springs Park was made in the 1890s after two springs with special healing powers were found.
Bentonville has many different trails. Some are short fitness trails, others are long mountain bike trails. The Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile (58 km) trail that connects the Northwest Arkansas region. It runs through Bentonville near the Walmart Home Office and Crystal Bridges.
The Crystal Bridges Trail is a 1-mile (1.6 km) trail between downtown Bentonville and the museum. It has public art and sculptures along the way. This trail connects to the museum's own 3-mile (4.8 km) trail system. Bentonville also has a cricket league with 18 teams!
Bentonville is a great place for mountain biking. It has over 28 miles (45 km) of mountain bike trails. The city also hosts several cycling events throughout the year, like Big Sugar Gravel.
Learning in Bentonville
Most students in Bentonville attend schools in the Bentonville Public Schools system. They go on to graduate from Bentonville High School or Bentonville West High School.
Some parts of the city are zoned for Rogers Public Schools.
There are also public charter schools like Haas Hall Academy and Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy. Thaden School is a private high school that opened in 2017.
Bentonville Adventist School offers education for kindergarten through eighth grade. The closest Catholic high school is Ozark Catholic Academy in Tontitown.
Bentonville is also home to the Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC). This two-year college offers many courses for students.
The Bentonville Public Library System has a main library downtown. It also has a smaller location at the Bentonville Community Center. These libraries offer books, magazines, and other media.
Getting Around Bentonville
Roads
Interstate 49
US Route 71
US Route 71 Business
Highway 12
Highway 72
Highway 102
Highway 112
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
The main highway in Bentonville is Interstate 49/US 71. This is a four-lane highway that connects to other cities. It was finished in the 1990s to help with traffic from the fast-growing Northwest Arkansas area.
Public Transport
Ozark Regional Transit is the main public transportation provider in Bentonville. It offers bus services throughout Benton and Washington Counties.
For longer trips, Jefferson Lines provides bus service in nearby Fayetteville.
Air Travel
The Bentonville Municipal Airport (also known as Louise M. Thaden Field) is owned by the city. It is used for smaller, private planes. For commercial flights, the nearest airport is Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). It opened in 1998 and is about 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Bentonville.
Water and Utilities
The City of Bentonville has its own water system. It provides water to homes and businesses. The drinking water comes from the Beaver Water District plant in Lowell. The city uses about 10 million gallons (38 million liters) of water each day.
Famous People from Bentonville
- James Henderson Berry: A U.S. senator and former Governor of Arkansas.
- Asa Hutchinson: The 46th Governor of Arkansas.
- Tim Hutchinson: A former U.S. Senator.
- Doug McMillon: The current CEO of Walmart.
- Malik Monk: A professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings.
- Lee Seamster: A former Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and mayor of Bentonville.
- Louise Thaden: A famous pilot and the first woman to win the Bendix Trophy.
- Dwight Tosh: A Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
- Karri Turner: An actress known for the TV show JAG.
- Jim Walton: One of the richest people in the world, and the youngest son of Sam Walton.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Bentonville (Arkansas) para niños
