Benson
serves as
the western
gateway to
the scenic
and historic
attractions
of Cochise
County and
has copyrighted
the name "Home
of Kartchner
Caverns State
Park." The
city was founded
in 1880 when
the Southern
Pacific Railroad
came through
southern Arizona.
Its 3,585-foot
elevation
creates a
moderate climate,
with summer
highs around
96 degrees
and winter
days about
62 degrees.
Located in
the historical
San Pedro
Valley, the
city offers
proximity
to both Tucson
(45 miles
northwest)
and Sierra
Vista (30
miles south).
The
San
Pedro
and Southwestern
Excursion
Train,
which
departs
Benson
and travels
south
along
the San
Pedro
River,
is a very
popular
attraction.
The
magnificent
Kartchner
Caverns
State
Park
is located
8 miles
south
of Benson.
The caverns
have been
mapped
for two-and-a-half
miles.
Other
nearby
attractions
include
Fort
Huachuca
(30 miles
south),
Tombstone
(23 miles
southeast),
Amerind
Museum
(15 miles
east),
and Holy
Trinity
Monastery
St. David
(7 miles
south).
In October,
Benson
holds
its annual
Butterfield
Overland
Stage
Days
celebration.
Call (928)
586-2842
for more
information.