About

Although founded in 1880 Benson civilization began long before even the Spanish missionary, Father Eusibio Kino, established Catholic missions in the late 1600's. For thousands of years Native Americans made their home along the San Pedro River. Familiar names like Cochise, Chief of the Chiricahua Apaches and Geronimo, an Apache freedom fighter who with his band of warriors eluded the American army for many years, are very much a part of the history of the beautiful San Pedro Valley.

Father Kino brought Christianity to the resident agriculturally based Pima Natives. The Pima shared the land with the more aggressive Chiricahua Apache, who eventually gained control of the area. During the time that the Army was waging a difficult campaign with the Apaches, the Butterfield Overland Stage was founded and the Pony Express began. In 1880 the Transcontinental Southern Pacific Railroad opened the way for two more major rail lines, transporting copper and silver from neighboring mining communities. Benson quickly matured into a bustling railroad town.

Millions of years ago the dinosaur and mammoths roamed this area, as is evident from the diggings of the paleontologists and archeologists. Today much of the area is still relatively untouched by modern civilization. The vastness of the landscape, the majesty of the mountains and the cleanliness of the air make this a truly pleasant place to live. Benson and the San Pedro River Valley are rich in natural wonders and provide a home for a myriad of wildlife, including more than 500 species of birds.

Benson is truly a unique place with so much diversity. Please use the informational links below to find out more about this comfortable community and the local attractions it has to offer.