Benson Area Information

CITY OF BENSON
City Government
Schools
Civic Organizations
San Pedro Valley   News-Sun

SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
St. David
Pomerene
J-6
Mescal
Dragoon
Sunsites

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Kartchner Caverns
Amerind Foundation
Holy Trinity Monastery
Others

FACILITIES
Restaurants
Motels
RV Parks


Familiar names - Cochise, Chief of the Chiricahua Apaches, and Geronimo, an Apache renegade, who with his band of warriors, eluded the American army for many years before his surrender - are very much a part of the history of the beautiful San Pedro Valley. Yet, for hundreds of years before, other Indians made their home along the San Pedro River. Millions and thousands of years ago the dinosaur and mammoths roamed this area, as is evident from the diggings of the paleontologists and archeologists. Still relatively untouched by humans, 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. 

Although founded in 1880, Benson civilization began long before with the Spanish missionary, Father Eusibio Kino, who established missions in the late 1600's bringing Christianity and agriculture to the resident Pima Indians. The Pima shared the land with the hostile Chiricahua Apache, who eventually gained control of the area. During the time that the U.S. Army was waging a difficult campaign with the Apaches, the Mormons settled into the area. The Butterfield Overland Stage was founded and the Pony Express began. Benson matured into a bustling railroad town. In 1880 the Transcontinental Southern Pacific Railroad opened the way for two more major rail lines, transporting copper and silver from neighboring mining communities. 

In the 1980's, the discovery of the world-class caverns was announced. The state park caverns, with its fragile and pristine formations, was open to the public in November 1999. More information about Kartchner Caverns can be seen on their website.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN AREA

Benson School District

Benson Elementary School
Benson Middle School
Benson Union High School

Pomerene School District

Pomerene Elementary School
Pomerene Middle School

St. David School District

St. David Elementary School
St. David Middle School
St. David High School

Cochise College

Cochise College Center, Benson  - classes in business, computer programs, leisure edventures, management, spanish and computers for seniors are offered at the newly opened Cochise College extension.

Sierra Vista Campus - offers a full range of courses for obtaining an Associates Degree, as well as technical courses, continuing education, online courses and professional and personal development. For more information - Cochise College

Douglas Campus


CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

Benson Rotary Club
Wednesday - noon
Benson Lions Club
Tuesday - 7 pm
Benson City Council
1st & 3rd Monday - 7 pm
Benson Optimist
1st & 3rd Tuesday - 7 pm
Benson Woman 's Club
3rd Thursday - 11:30 am
San Pedro BPW
4th Monday - 7 pm
Masons - San Pedro Lodge #55 - 1st Tuesday - 7 pm Rebekas Tombstone #35
1st & 3rd Tuesday - 7 pm
Eastern Star
1st & 3rd Thursday - 7:30 pm
FOE - Women's Auxiliary
1st & 3rd Monday - 7 pm
FOE - Men's Aerie
1st & 3rd Tuesday - 7:30 pm
San Pedro Valley Humane Society - 3rd Monday - 7 pm
Benson Barbershop Singers
Tuesday - 7:30 pm
Elderberries
Tuesday - 1 pm
Benson Jr. Women
1st Monday - 7 pm
Benson Historic                   Preservation 
3rd Monday - 4 pm
San Pedro Natural
Resource Conservation
1st Tuesday - 5:30 pm
Benson Chamber of Commerce - 3rd Thursday - 5:30 pm
American Legion #45
2nd Thursday - 7 pm
VFW #6271
2nd Wednesday - 7 PM
Knights of Columbus
1st & 3rd Sunday - 6 pm
Benson School Board
1st Tuesday - 7 pm
St. David School Board
2nd Tuesday - 6:30 pm
Pomerene School Board
1st Tuesday - 7 pm
Southern Arizona Rangers
3rd Wednesday - 7 pm
Benson Hospital Auxiliary
1st Monday - 1:30 pm
Benson Hospital Governing Board - 4th Monday - 6 pm
Benson Model Club
Saturday - 8 am
TOPS
Tuesday - 5 pm
Cochise Wood Carvers
Tuesday - 9:30 am

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