Bentonville, Arkansas is located in the beautiful Ozark mountains within driving distance to Oklahoma and Missouri. Senior Travel Genie has resources for Bentonville restaurants and more. A popular retirement area, Bentonville AR has a large senior citizen community and a rich history.

Bentonville, AR History

In 1827 Major William Lovely, an Indian Agent, purchased land from the Osage Indians that later became Benton County. The next year, Osage Indians moved west from the area and the first white settlers moved in. In 1831, an influx began of white settlers from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia.

The town was named after long-time Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton who was instrumental in helping the Arkansas Territory achieve statehood in 1836. Arkansas was admitted as the 25th state of the union on the same day and year that Benton County was established. In 1862, the Battle of Pea Ridge prevented Confederate forces from advancing into Missouri. It was the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi River and downtown Bentonville was largely destroyed by fire related to the battle.

In 1936, Bentonville’s Louise Thadden, a famous aviatrix, was the first woman to win the Bendix Transcontinental Air Race.

Bentonville, Arkansas – Senior Vacation and Retirement Town

Bentonville has maintained its historic character. Within the city limits there are seventy-two historical buildings and homes, including the Peel House Mansion and Historical Gardens. In addition, WalMart world headquarters are located in Bentonville, the home of Sam Walton’s first store, Walton’s Five and Dime, which was established in 1950.

Visitors to Bentonville, Arkansas often find the town so charming that they choose to relocate here after retirement. Senior Travel Genie helps visitors and retirees find resources for hotels and more in Bentonville.