The Town of Benson, which derives its name from early settler Alfred Monroe ("Mim") Benson, owes much of its historical development to the railroad line, which passed through the present location in 1886 on its route to Fayetteville. Mr. Benson's purchase of a 402-acre tract along the Smithfield-Fayetteville Road in 1874 initiated the settlement of the area now known as Benson. During the 1880's Benson sold portions of his original tract to incoming settlers, many of whom, were farmers. Benson was incorporated in 1887 and soon attracted a number of entrepreneurs wishing to take advantage of this new town along an important transportation route.
The temperate climate plus the area's rich soil have given Benson a rich heritage in agriculture. From a cotton and tobacco farmland a generation ago it has become a center for the production and marketing of a number of agricultural products, including soy beans, sweet potatoes, corn, cucumbers and other vegetables, hogs, poultry and cattle. Although Benson remains an important part of the rich, agricultural region, diversification has taken place in the changing economic base as industry has come, giving added opportunities for employment.
In 1984, 54 acres of the town, the center of which is the downtown business district, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic district is comprised of the entire downtown business district and several blocks of surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Benson is the site of the county's largest celebration, Benson Mule Days, which takes place annually on the fourth weekend in September. Begun in 1950, Mule Days originated as a harvest festival to honor the surrounding farm community and its beast of burden, the mule. Over the years the celebration has grown to attract 50,000 for the three day festival with parades, beauty queens, rodeos, street dances, bluegrass music, arts and crafts, and barbecue. The oldest festival in the county, and one of the oldest in the State, takes place on the fourth weekend in June. The State Annual Singing Convention was started in 1921 by five local citizens and is a weekend of gospel singing entertainment and competition. "The Sing" now attracts participants and enthusiasts from several surrounding states.
For Town of Benson information contact:
Matthew Zapp, Town Manager
Town of Benson
303 E. Church St.
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-3553
