The City of Bentonville, Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Birthplace and headquarters to the world’s largest retailer, Walmart, the city is rapidly evolving. Bentonville360 acts as an interactive tour of the current city while capturing the stories and images back to the city’s 1873 incorporation.
Click on the destinations with red radio buttons on the map below, and you’ll find a 360° video experience (and photos) explaining the significance and connection of the location to Bentonville’s history. You can also navigate to new locations by clicking the radio buttons or returning to the map.
The Benton County Courthouse
In 1840, a two-story brick courthouse was erected in the town square, marking a significant milestone in Bentonville’s development. For nearly four decades, the Benton County Courthouse served as the heart of Benton County’s legal and administrative affairs. Tragically, the courthouse was not immune to the ravages of war. During the Civil War, in 1862, Union soldiers set fire to the building, destroying it along with many other structures in Bentonville. The loss of the courthouse was a devastating blow to the community, but it also ignited a spirit of resilience and determination. Reconstruction began in 1884. Today, the Benton County Courthouse stands as a cherished landmark in Bentonville, a symbol of the city’s resilience, its commitment to justice, and its enduring legacy. It continues to serve as the county’s seat of government, housing courtrooms, administrative offices, and historical archives.
The Eagle/Massey Hotel
Prior to the construction of the Massey Hotel, the 1840 wood-frame Eagle Hotel was located on this site. Union General Franz Sigel and some of his men were staying at the Eagle Hotel and had just ordered breakfast on March 6, 1862, when staff reported that the Confederate Army was approaching town. Sigel had to leave his meal unfinished. The armies met the following day at the Battle of Pea Ridge. General Sigel returned to Bentonville about 25 years later and remarked that he had come back to finish his breakfast. By 1904, the Eagle Hotel building was used as a marble works and monument plant (manufacturing grave markers and other statues). The old building was demolished in 1908 to make way for the Massey Hotel.
Benton County National Bank
The Benton County National Bank was built in 1906 in Bentonville, Arkansas. It was designed by the regional architect Albert O. Clark and it is an elegant Classical Revival structure. The bank operated successfully until the Great Depression. It merged with another bank in 1930, but the new bank closed in December of that year. Since then, the building has been used as office space, the library, and most recently City Hall. Brika, a local retail store, currently operates out of the building and has preserved much of the interior architecture.
Benton County Jail
Constructed in 1888, the Benton County Jail replaced an earlier wooden structure that had served the county jail since Bentonville’s inception in 1838. For decades, the Benton County Jail played a pivotal role in Bentonville’s law enforcement system until a lit cigarette was left unattended on one inmates bed. In 1905, there was a fire that claimed the building along with two of the inmates which prompted a new jail to be completed in 1911 which was in use until the late 70s. The new jail, designed by architect A.O. Clark, embodied the prevalent Classic Revival style of the era.
Meteor Theater
Over 1,200 people attended the opening of the Meteor Theater on August 1, 1927. This single-screen venue quickly became a beloved entertainment destination for residents seeking a respite from their daily routines. Its marquee lights and grand entrance beckoned moviegoers to immerse themselves in the captivating world of cinema. Its stage has welcomed renowned performers from across the globe, showcasing a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including theater, music, dance, and comedy. The theater has also become a hub for community engagement, hosting educational workshops, film screenings, and special events that foster creativity and cultural exchange. In 2014, the building was restored, renovated, and reopened as a music and art venue. Today the old theater is called Meteor Guitar Gallery and is also used as an event venue.
Applegate’s Drug Store
In 1881, J.E. Applegate, a visionary pharmacist with a passion for serving his community, established the Applegate Drug Store. The original store, a modest one-story frame structure, quickly became a hub for health and wellness, providing essential medications, medical supplies, and a friendly atmosphere where residents could gather and seek advice. Applegate Drug Store moved to its location on the Bentonville Square in 1957 but moved to a new location just a few years later. Applegate Drug Store was loved by locals and it was designated as a community gathering spot, specifically for children. This local soda fountain destination has been described as the place where you saw everyone you knew.