Bentonville townspeople foiled notorious Old West bank robbery

More than a century ago, residents faced down outlaw Henry Starr when his gang robbed the People's Bank downtown and fled under gunfire.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In 1893, the notorious bank robber Henry Starr and his gang targeted the People's Bank in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. However, the townspeople bravely confronted the outlaws, resulting in a dramatic shootout that miraculously left no Bentonville residents harmed. This incident helped cement Starr's reputation as a notorious criminal across the region and remains a significant chapter in the town's history.

Why it matters

The 1893 bank robbery in Bentonville highlights the town's resilience and community spirit in the face of a dangerous criminal threat. It also serves as a reminder of the Old West's lawless era and the important role that local residents played in maintaining order and protecting their community.

The details

According to historical accounts, Henry Starr and his gang targeted the People's Bank in downtown Bentonville, attempting to rob the institution. However, the townspeople quickly mobilized and confronted the outlaws, leading to a dramatic shootout. Despite the gunfire, no Bentonville residents were killed in the incident, which helped cement Starr's reputation as a notorious bank robber across the region.

  • The bank robbery occurred in 1893.
  • The incident remains a significant chapter in Bentonville's history more than a century later.

The players

Henry Starr

A notorious bank robber whose criminal career spanned the late 19th century in the American Old West.

People's Bank

The bank in downtown Bentonville that was targeted by Starr and his gang in the 1893 robbery.

Bentonville residents

The townspeople who bravely confronted Starr and his gang during the attempted bank robbery, leading to a dramatic shootout.

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The takeaway

The 1893 bank robbery in Bentonville serves as a testament to the town's resilience and community spirit in the face of a dangerous criminal threat, highlighting the important role that local residents played in maintaining order and protecting their community during the lawless era of the American Old West.