The Arkansas family whose single five-and-dime grew into Walmart — the largest company on earth.
Sam Walton opened the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962, built on low prices, small-town locations, and relentless efficiency. From Bentonville, the chain grew into the largest retailer and largest private employer in the world.
The family retains a major stake, making the Waltons collectively among the wealthiest families on the planet, and their foundation is a major funder of education and conservation.
Walmart reshaped American retail, small-town economies, and global supply chains, and the Walton family built one of history's great fortunes from rural Arkansas. Their giving funds schools, charter education, and the Crystal Bridges art museum.
The company remains family-influenced generations on.
The Walton family is based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Founders of Walmart; among the wealthiest families in the world
1962.
Sam Walton — founder of Walmart (1962)
Curious about your own family's story? We trace it through the public record and write it up as a documented history.
See how it works →This profile presents only publicly reported facts, drawn from the sources above. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the family or its companies.