Rogers in Benton County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Walmart
| — | Arkansas 250 Commission | — |
Photographed by Marc Hayot, September 26, 2026
1. Walmart Marker
Walmart
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, first opened at this location in Rogers in 1962 after Sam Walton owned and operated smaller retail models in Newport, Bentonville, and elsewhere. For much of its history, the company has been identified with “Mr. Sam,” whose friendly image was a complement to the forward-thinking innovative business model he created. The success of his earlier outlets, marked by the development of centralized distribution and purchasing, led to initial growth in Arkansas and neighboring states, particularly in small towns. Walton also pioneered the employee (associate) profit-sharing, encouraging associate loyalty. Walmart’s first public stock offering came in 1970, and its stock split numerous times.
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The company advanced into diversifications like pharmacies, auto centers, and jewelry. Sam’s Clubs and Supercenters followed, and by 2001 Walmart had become the world’s largest retailer. The company also made great strides in online sales, and by 2025 the company operated in 19 countries with 2.1 million employees.
With the placement of this
this page online
Erected 2026 by Arkansas 250 Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the America 250 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.
Location. 36° 20.02′ N, 94° 7.53′ W. Marker is in Rogers, Arkansas, in Benton County. It is at the intersection of West Walnut Street (U.S. 71B) and North 8th Street (County Highway 94), on the left when traveling east on West Walnut Street. The marker is at the intersection of North 8th Street and West Walnut Street directly south of TL Beauty School and southwest of Somewhere in Time Antique Mall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 719 W Walnut Street, Rogers AR 72756, United
Photographed by Marc Hayot, September 26, 2026
2. Walmart Marker (back side)
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas, on the Ozark Plateau, in the Cherokee Heritage Region, and in Osage Territory. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Ozarks. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Arvest Bank (approx. 0.4 miles away); John Mylar House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Daisy Airgun Museum (approx. 0.4 miles away); Victory Theater (approx. 0.4 miles away); Harris Baking Company (approx. half a mile away); Historic Rogers Post Office Building (approx. half a mile away); Bank of Rogers (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rogers.
Regarding Walmart. This is one of several markers commemorating
Photographed by Marc Hayot, September 26, 2026
3. Walmart Marker and Surrounding Area
Also see . . . First Walmart store in Rogers receives America250 historical marker. 40/29 News did a story on this marker in July commemorating the marker.
The site of the first Walmart store is now home to a new historical marker recognizing its place in Arkansas history as part of the state’s 250th anniversary celebration.(Submitted on September 26, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.)
State officials, Walmart employees and community leaders gathered on June 5, 2026, at 719 W. Walnut St. in Rogers, where the first Walmart store opened on July 2, 1962.
Additional keywords. America 250
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 26, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
