When Jesse James came to town (well, it might have been him)

Long before Bentonville became a bustling modern hub, it had its own Wild West moment, possibly at the hands of the infamous Jesse James Gang.

• Pioneer Meets Outlaws: In 1871, James Craig returned to Bentonville and opened the town’s first two-story business with his son. But on one February evening in 1874, several armed men, believed by many to be the James-Younger Gang, entered their store just before closing and held them at gunpoint.

• A Clean Escape: The gang took $200 in silk goods from the safe, unaware the Craigs had already deposited the day’s earnings. With pistols raised, they warned against pursuit and disappeared into the dark, leaving no confirmed identities, only whispers of Jesse James.

Read the full historical account in Vintage Bentonville HERE.

P.S. That same store, Craig & Son’s, was robbed again in 1897—this time by what many believe were remnants or imitators of the James Gang, adding yet another chapter to Bentonville’s outlaw lore.

History Events This Week

• 🎻 Fiddle Me This: Join the Old Time Pickers this Wednesday, Aug 13, for a toe-tapping jam session featuring Appalachian and Ozark fiddle tunes. The all-skill-level group meets from 6–9p at the Shiloh Museum’s General Store. Bring your instrument—or just come enjoy the music!

• 🧶 Thread Lightly: The Way of Beauty: Diné Woven Stories is still on display at the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, featuring eight stunning Navajo rugs that celebrate the artistry and storytelling of the Diné people.

• 🧵 Needle Little Inspiration?: Join the Embroiderers’ Guild of America on Saturday, Aug 16, for a morning of stitching, learning, and needle art camaraderie. The group meets from 9:30a–1:00p at the Shiloh Meeting Hall. All skill levels and stitch styles welcome!

• 🪑 A Cut Above: Head to Historic Cane Hill on Saturday, Aug 16, for the opening of Treasured Chests: 19th Century Furniture by NWA Craftsmen and a day of hands-on woodworking and history with cultural heritage practitioner Jerome Bias. From tool demos to a powerful afternoon lecture, it’s a full day of craft, culture, and connection.

• 🍦 Scoop of History: Cool off at the Washington County Historical Society’s 53rd Annual Ice Cream Social on Saturday, Aug 16, from 3–5p at Headquarters House in Fayetteville. Enjoy ice cream, pastries, and sweet community vibes at this longtime summer tradition.

• 🏛️ Open House, Open Minds: Kick off the fall semester at the U of A Museum Campus Open House on Saturday, Aug 16, from 6–8p. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to explore collections, enjoy snacks, and connect with campus groups in a fun, laid-back setting.

• ✈️ Wings of History: Warbird Weekend returns to the Arkansas Air and Military Museum Friday–Sunday, Aug 15–17, featuring WWII-era bombers “DOC” (B-29 Superfortress) and “Yellow Rose” (B-25 Mitchell). Don’t miss this rare chance to see these legendary aircraft up close.