Most visitors know Bentonville for mountain biking, art, and innovation, but the city’s history is also written into its architecture. Following the Civil War, Bentonville rebuilt itself during a period of rapid growth fueled by the railroad and the booming apple industry. Many of the homes and downtown buildings from that era still stand today.

 

Many buildings are Italianate Architecture. But what exactly does that mean?

 

Popular in the United States from the 1840s to the 1880s, Italianate architecture drew inspiration from the villas of the Italian countryside. The style emphasizes elegance, symmetry, and decorative detail, and is often recognized by features such as: 

 

• Low-pitched or flat roofs 

• Wide, overhanging eaves that extend well beyond the exterior walls 

• Ornamental brackets supporting the eaves 

• Tall, narrow windows, often topped with rounded arches, decorative crowns, or hood molds 

• Cupolas or towers 

• Elaborate cornices and decorative trim 

• Porches with richly detailed woodwork 

 

With that knowledge, let’s explore some highlights from the Peel Compton Foundation’s self-guided architecture tour:
Peel Museum & Botanical Garden | 400 S. Walton Blvd | 1875 

Built in 1875 by Congressman Samuel West Peel, this landmark home is one of Bentonville’s best-known historic buildings. Its belvedere tower, bracketed rooflines, and arched windows make it a classic example of Italianate design. Today, the museum offers free guided tours and a glimpse into Victorian-era Bentonville.

 
Craig-Bryan House | 307 West Central Ave | 1875 

One of Bentonville’s most distinctive historic homes, the Craig-Bryan House was built in 1875 by James Toliver Craig, an early merchant and entrepreneur. The home features tall arched windows, bay projections, and wrought-iron balconies originally salvaged from the old Benton County Courthouse.

Roy's Office Supply
Roy’s Office Supply Building  | 110 E. Central Ave. | 1885 

Located on the downtown square, this 1885 commercial building showcases Italianate architecture adapted for a growing business district. Look for the ornate metal lintels, tall second-story windows, and decorative pressed-metal cornice.

 

Roy's Office Supply Building is now home to Table Mesa.

 

C.R. Craig Building | 113 S. Main Street  | Between 1904 - 1908

Built in the early 1900s, this downtown building features one of the city’s most elaborate pressed-metal façades. Decorative garlands, floral motifs, and classical detailing reflect the ambition and optimism of Bentonville’s growth era.

Elliott House
Elliott House | 303 SE Third St | 1887 

Perhaps the grandest residence on the tour, the Elliott House was built in 1887 with wealth earned from New Mexico silver mining. Seven porches, carved brackets, bay windows, and a rooftop widow’s walk make it one of Bentonville’s most impressive Victorian-era homes.

 

Col. Young House

Col. Young House | 1007 SE Fifth St. | Built 1873 

Built in 1873, this is believed to be one of Bentonville’s earliest surviving Italianate homes. Its paired brackets, tall windows, and balanced proportions show how elegance could be achieved through simplicity and craftsmanship.

 

 

Bentonville’s Past in the Present

 

These buildings tell the story of a community rebuilding after the Civil War and investing in its future. While Bentonville continues to grow and evolve today, its historic architecture offers a reminder that innovation and ambition have long been part of the city’s identity.

 

Read the full self-guided tour for additional stops, architectural details, and the stories behind the people who helped shape Bentonville.