Benton County

Benton County, formed in 1836, was named after United States Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri. The landscape of the county is gently rolling hills. The Courthouse is located on the square in Bentonville, the site of Arkansas's most significant Civil War battle at Pea Ridge. The county, historically a fruit-growing center, has a diversified economy that includes agriculture, especially dairy and poultry. From the corporate headquarters of Wal-Mart to Little Debbie bakeries, Cooper Communities', and Bella Vista retirement community to light manufacturing, business is booming in Benton County. Beaver Lake offers fishing and water recreation. Orchards and pastures, museums and art galleries, dogwood tours in the fall, arts and crafts fairs, country music, symphony concerts, and a community theater are all popular with the local people as well as visitors. As of the 2003 census, Benton County had a population of 172,003 residents.