Benson Overview
Benson is located within an easy drive
southeast of Tucson along Interstate 10 just south of the Highway
80 Exit. It lies just north of Bisbee Az. Spanish missionaries originally
explored and settled in this area in about 1539 near the current-day
town of Benson in the San Pedro Valley. Benson became an important
getaway hub into Southeastern Arizona at the completion of the Southern
Pacific Railroad in about 1884 mostly displacing the Butterfield
Coachline of which its ruins are still viewable today. The City
of Benson was incorporated in 1924 and was named after Judge William
Benson, a Californian but a close friend of the president of the
railroad.
Today Benson is a popular tourist attraction and its mild summer
temperatures at 3,600-foot elevation are a magnet for retirees seeking
a tranquil life within a rich historic tradition and scenic beauty.
This was the land of the Apache and the famous Apache Chiefs Cochise
and Geronimo that at first attempted to adapt to the changing times
of colonization of their homeland by the Spanish, Mexicans and North
Americans. Motivated by mistreatment of the native Apaches and growing
invasion by wealth-seekers venturing through the area on the way
to the California gold fields, the Apaches aggressively defended
the homeland invasion. It was a time of Army Forts, Indian Wars,
Cattle Rustlers, Gamblers, Prostitutes, Gunfighters and Wild West
Bad Guys.
Don’t miss the sights, the various monuments and museums
that bring the wild west to life. Contact the Benson
Chamber of Commerce or City
of Benson for more information about this exciting and adventurous
area. And click here for convenient viewing of available area hotels.
Benson Attractions
Kartchner-Caverns
and State Park
Recently discovered limestone caves opened in 2000 where you’ll
see giant stalactites and stalagmites. The 23,000 square foot Discovery
Center houses exhibits and information about the Kartchner Caverns
and the surrounding State Park.
The San Pedro and Southwestern Railroad
Railroad tour adventure along the San Pedro River into history through
the Nature Conservancy’s San Pedro River Preserve with its
large collection of migrating and native birds against breathtaking
scenic beauty. The tour guide describes the area’s history
and wildlife. Lunch is served.
San
Pedro Valley Arts and Historical Society Museum
Discover Benson’s rich history in a restored early years grocery
store with a wide collection of photos and artifacts.
Gunfight at O.K. Corral (Tombstone)
Re-enactments of the infamous gunfight between the Earp brothers
and the Clanton Gang where it actually happened.
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