Bentonville, Texas facts for kids

Bentonville is a small, unincorporated community in Jim Wells County, Texas, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's located in the middle-eastern part of Jim Wells County. You can find it about seven miles (11 kilometers) east of the city of Alice, right along State Highway 44.

History of Bentonville

Bentonville has a quiet but interesting history. It was named after one of the first people to settle in the area.

Early Days and Growth

In 1910, a post office opened in Bentonville. This was an important step for the community, as it helped people send and receive mail. The post office stayed open for 22 years, closing in 1932.

By 1914, Bentonville was growing. About 50 people lived there. The community had two general stores where people could buy everyday items. There was also a cotton gin, which was a machine used to separate cotton fibers from their seeds. A blacksmith also worked in the community, making and repairing metal tools. That same year, the Texas Mexican Railway added a stop in Bentonville, making it easier for people and goods to travel.

Changes Over Time

After its early growth, Bentonville began to change. By 1936, the community had mostly scattered homes and farm buildings. The population also started to get smaller.

In 1949, only about 20 people lived in Bentonville, and there was just one business left. The number of people living there stayed about the same through the 1950s and 1960s. However, by 1974, the population had dropped to 15 people.

By 1979, Bentonville still had scattered homes. It also had a windmill, which uses wind to pump water, and an oil well. The Texas Mexican Railway continued to have a stop there. In the year 2000, the population remained at 15 people.