March 29, 1918

Sam Walton was born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, USA. He worked as a newsboy when he was a child.

In 1936

Sam entered the University of Missouri to pursue a bachelor's degree in economics and served as president of the university's student union.

In 1940

Sam graduated from college. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II, Sam signed up to join the army and served in the U.S. Army Intelligence Department.

In 1951

After the war, he returned to his hometown and borrowed US$20,000 from his father-in-law, plus the US$5,000 he had saved while serving in the army. In July 1951, he and his wife Helen opened a store called 5&&10 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

In 1960

Walton already had 15 stores located in the area around Bentonville, with an annual turnover of US$1.4 million.

In 1962

Walton founded the first WalMart discount department store in Rogers City, with a business area of ??1,500 square meters. In the first year, the turnover reached $700,000. And finally established Wal-Mart Department Store Co., Ltd. on October 31, 1969.

1983

Walton opened the first Sam's Club.

In 1985

Walton was named the richest man in the United States by Forbes.

In 1992

Walton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and died on April 5 of the same year.