Aviva Directory » Local & Global » North America » United States » States » New Hampshire » Cities & Towns » Benton

The small town of Benton is located in the White Mountains, in Grafton County, New Hampshire, and mostly surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. The Appalachian Trail crosses the town. Benton was granted by Governor Benning Wentworth to Theophilus Fitch and others in 1764, and initially named Coventry. In 1840, its name was changed to Benton, in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri senator. The early economy of the town was fueled by its surrounding forests and the availability of water power, supporting as many as five sawmills. Due to the surrounding national forest and Appalachian Trail, industry is largely prohibited today, leaving Benton dependent on recreational tourism.

 

 

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