Benton, Missouri History, Economy and Politics
Benton, Missouri is a small town located in the southeastern part of the state. It is situated in Scott County, just north of the Mississippi River and approximately 100 miles south of St. Louis. The town covers an area of 2.6 square miles and sits at an elevation of 380 feet above sea level. Visit Handbagpicks to learn about Adair County, Missouri.
The terrain around Benton is mostly flat with some rolling hills scattered throughout the area. The town itself is located on a large plateau that overlooks the surrounding countryside and provides sweeping views for miles in every direction.
The climate in Benton is considered humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can dip into the single digits or even below zero on occasion. Average precipitation levels are around 45 inches per year, with most rain falling during the spring and summer months.
Benton is located near several major rivers including the Mississippi River, Big Muddy River and Cache River, making it a popular destination for fishing and other outdoor activities such as boating and camping. There are also several parks located nearby which offer additional recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy including hiking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Overall, Benton offers an ideal combination of geography and climate that makes it a great place to live or visit any time of year! With its picturesque landscapes and friendly atmosphere, it continues to be a great place to explore all that nature has to offer!
History of Benton, Missouri
Benton, Missouri was founded in 1817 by Reverend William Benton, who named the town after himself. The town was originally settled by a small group of pioneers who had come from Kentucky and Tennessee. In its early days, the town served as a trading post for local farmers and ranchers, and also as a stopover for travelers heading further west.
By the 1850s, Benton had grown to become an important agricultural hub for the surrounding area. The town was home to several large farms and numerous merchants, making it an important economic center for Scott County.
During the Civil War, Benton served as an important supply depot for Confederate forces in the region. After the war ended in 1865, many of its citizens returned to their agricultural roots and continued to thrive until the turn of the century.
In 1901, Benton became home to one of Missouri’s first electric power plants which helped usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for the town. By 1910, there were over 2,000 people living in Benton and over 20 businesses operating within its borders.
Today, Benton is still known as a small but vibrant community with deep roots in agriculture and history. It continues to be an important part of Scott County’s economy while maintaining its unique culture and identity through organizations like its Historic Preservation Society which works to preserve its historic sites and structures.
Economy of Benton, Missouri
Benton, Missouri is a small town located in Scott County, Missouri with a population of just over 2,000 people. Despite its size, Benton has a thriving economy that is largely driven by the agricultural industry. Agriculture has been an integral part of the area’s economy since its founding in 1817.
Today, Benton is home to several large farms and numerous smaller family-owned operations that specialize in growing various crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. In addition to these crops, Benton also produces livestock such as beef cattle and poultry.
Benton’s economy is also bolstered by businesses in the retail and service sectors. The town is home to several local stores and restaurants that offer goods and services to both locals and visitors alike. There are also several local manufacturers that produce items such as furniture and clothing.
The town’s economy has been further strengthened by its growing tourism industry which brings in visitors from around the region who come to enjoy Benton’s picturesque landscapes and historic sites. Additionally, Benton is home to several parks which offer recreational opportunities such as boating and camping for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, Benton’s economy continues to be driven by agriculture while also seeing growth from other industries such as retail, service sector businesses, manufacturing companies, as well as tourism-related activities. Through this diverse economic base it continues to be an important part of Scott County’s economy while maintaining its unique culture and identity for future generations to enjoy.
Politics in Benton, Missouri
Benton, Missouri is a small town located in Scott County and has a population of just over 2,000 people. The town is governed by an elected mayor who serves a two-year term and is responsible for appointing the members of the City Council. The City Council is made up of five members who serve four-year terms and are responsible for enacting ordinances and setting policy for the city.
Benton’s politics are heavily influenced by its rural location. As such, many of the issues that the city faces are related to agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development. Additionally, Benton’s citizens often have strong opinions on issues such as gun control and education reform.
The town’s citizens have traditionally voted Republican in presidential elections due to its rural location however; there has been an increasing trend towards voting Democratic in recent years due to issues such as health care reform and immigration policies. Additionally, Benton’s local elections typically feature candidates from both major parties which allows for a more balanced representation in government.
Overall, Benton’s politics are heavily influenced by its rural location but also feature candidates from both major parties which allows for a more balanced representation in government. Additionally, due to its small size Benton typically does not see much political strife as most citizens share similar values when it comes to important issues facing their community.
