Situated along the Chippewa River, Benson is the county seat of Swift County, Minnesota. The first white settlers came into the area that was to become Benson after the Indian Outbreak of 1862 and the Homestead Act of the same year, which opened the area to European-American settlement. A Norwegian settler by the name of Ole Corneiliusen is though to have been the first settler, having arrived by foot in 1866. The community was platted when the railroad was extended to that point in 1870, and named for Benjamin H. Benson, an early Norwegian settler. Benson was also a stopping point for the famous Red River Ox Carts, and the Hudson Bay Company maintained a warehouse there. A post office was established at Benson at that time, and the town was incorporated as a city in 1908. US Highway 12, Minnesota Highway 9, and Minnesota Highway 29 are the chief routes through the city. Nearby communities include Clontarf, Danvers, De Graff, Fairfield, Holloway, Murdock, and Swift Falls. Minneapolis, Minnesota is about a hundred and forty miles east of Benson.
 
 
Recommended Resources
Benson Area Chamber of Commerce
The not-for-profit organization is made up of business owners and others in the Benson, Minnesota community. Member advantages, rates, and a downloadable application are available, along with a guide to local businesses, attractions, and events, a Chamber newsletter, and contacts.
http://www.bensonareachamber.com/
The Benson, Minnesota library’s location, hours of operation, and staff contacts are published to the site, with details of library services, children’s services, reference and research resources, a library calendar, policy information, and announcements. Members may access their accounts online.
http://www.benson.lib.mn.us/
Benson Public Schools ISD #777
Offering a PK-12th grade curriculum, the Benson, Minnesota school system operates Northside Elementary School, Benson Elementary School, and Benson Junior/Senior High School, each of which are highlighted here, including its district offices, community education projects, activities, and athletics programs.
http://www.benson.k12.mn.us/
Located in west-central Minnesota, the city of Benson is the seat of government for Swift County. The official municipal web site features administrative contacts and office hours, council agendas and minutes, a calendar of events, and a guide to local parks, recreational opportunities, attractions, and business opportunities.
http://www.bensonmn.org/
Situated on 14th Street South, the Benson, Minnesota hotel is highlighted, including policy information, room types, a list of amenities, features and services, an overview of it on-site restaurant and a guide to other area dining establishments, driving directions, and area attractions.
http://www.countryinn-benson.com/
Published in Benson, Minnesota, the county seat, the weekly newspaper offers news and sports reporting, area events and celebrations, opinion columns, obituaries, and classified advertising, as well as advertising opportunities, subscriptions, and legal notices. A subscription is required for full access.
http://www.swiftcountymonitor.com/
The official county government site lists the county board of commissioners and elected officials, board agendas and minutes, a copy of its strategic and comprehensive plans, the county budget and audits, fee schedules, ordinances, and a directory of administrative and departmental offices.
http://www.swiftcounty.com/
BSA Troop 485 is chartered by Benson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1403, and a part of the Lakes District of the Boy Scouts of America youth organization, serving boys ages eleven through eighteen. Regular meeting schedules, unit leadership, a calendar of events, news and updates are posted to the site.
http://www.nlcbsa.org/Troop-485-Benson-MN/
Set up for the purpose of promoting the city of Benson, Minnesota, the site offers a guide to community attractions and events, local schools, healthcare facilities and programs, civic organizations, real estate opportunities, and businesses. Contacts and tips on moving to Benson are included.
http://www.visitbensonmn.com/