In 1950, Bentonville, Arkansas, was a small, quiet town like many others in the American South, with little to distinguish it from its neighbors. However, a single event in that year would set Bentonville on a path to global recognition and economic transformation: the opening of Walton’s 5&10 by Sam Walton.

Sam Walton, a former manager of a Ben Franklin franchise, took a risk when he decided to open his own store in Bentonville's downtown square. Walton’s 5&10 was more than just a typical variety store—it was the seed of an empire that would revolutionize the retail industry. Walton was driven by a simple but powerful philosophy: provide customers with quality goods at the lowest possible prices. This focus on affordability, combined with Walton's innovative ideas about supply chain management, led to the rapid success of his store.

The real breakthrough came in 1962 when Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas, just a few miles from Bentonville. This new store was designed to be bigger, cheaper, and more efficient than anything that had come before. The Walmart model was based on discount pricing, a wide selection of products, and strategic placement in small towns and rural areas—places that were typically overlooked by larger retailers.

As Walmart expanded, so did Bentonville. By the 1970s, Walmart was becoming a dominant force in retail, with stores spreading across the United States. Bentonville, as the headquarters of this rapidly growing company, saw its fortunes rise in tandem. What had once been a small, obscure town became a bustling hub of business activity, attracting visitors, workers, and investors from around the world.

The transformation of Bentonville wasn’t just economic; it also became a place of strategic importance in the retail industry. Sam Walton's commitment to the town was evident in his decision to keep Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville even as the company grew into a global behemoth. Today, Bentonville is not just home to Walmart’s corporate offices but also the Walton Family Foundation, which has invested heavily in the town's cultural and educational infrastructure.

One of the most significant contributions of the Walton family to Bentonville is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which opened in 2011. This world-class museum was funded by Alice Walton, Sam Walton’s daughter, and is a symbol of how far Bentonville has come from its humble beginnings. The museum has put Bentonville on the map as a cultural destination, drawing art lovers from around the globe and further boosting the town’s economy and prestige.

The story of Bentonville is, therefore, deeply intertwined with the story of Walmart. The town's rise from obscurity to international prominence is a testament to the vision and determination of Sam Walton, whose legacy continues to shape Bentonville's identity today.