Benton, California, Mono County is a small, historical ghost town nestled in the scenic landscapes of Mono County. Once a bustling area during the silver mining boom, Benton now stands as a sign of the fleeting prosperity of the past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Mono County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.8166° N, 118.4883° W
Elevation: 5,387 feet (1,642 meters)
Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone
Established: 1860s
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but declined notably by the late 19th century.
Comments: Benton was originally established as Benton Station, named after Senator Thomas Hart Benton. The town flourished in the 1860s due to the discovery of silver in the area. It served as an important supply hub for nearby mining operations, leveraging its strategic position along trade routes.
Benton (formerly, Benton Station) is a census-designated place in Mono County, California Ghost Townlifornia, United States. It is located 3 miles (4.8 km) east-northeast of the community of Benton Hot Springs and 32 miles (51 km) north of the community of Bishop, at an elevation of 5387 ft (1642 m).
Remains: Several structures from the town’s heyday still stand, including old wooden buildings, a cemetery, and remnants of mining operations. The Benton Hot Springs Inn is the most notable structure, which continues attracting visitors seeking the soothing mineral waters.
Benton has area codes 442 and 760 and ZIP code 93512. It is also known as Benton Hot Springs because of the hot springs it features. Benton was once a small mining town with up to 5,000 inhabitants. Many of the original buildings still remain, but the town has never completely died. The 160-acre (65-hectare) Benton Paiute reservation is in the vicinity, and about 50 full-time residents live there.
Benton is one of the oldest towns in Mono County. It was founded by the Western Indians, who came to use its hot springs. As the nearby towns of Bodie and Aurora grew in size and population, Benton soon became a checkpoint for travelers on the way south in 1852.
Current Status: Although Benton’s status as a bustling town has long faded, it is not entirely abandoned. Some residents still call Benton home, and the area attracts tourists interested in its history and hot springs. The population was 280 at the 2010 census, up from 196 reported at 2000 by Mono County.
Remarks: Benton’s transformation from a lively mining town to a quiet ghost town highlights the impermanent nature of boomtowns. The area’s rich history, scenic beauty, and hot springs offer a unique glimpse into California’s mining past, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking both adventure and reflection.
Gold was discovered in the hills of Benton in 1862, and its population quickly grew. After hitting the initial strike of gold, not much more was found, but Benton’s profits were soon primarily from silver. Unlike other mining towns, Benton provided enough for the town to thrive and flourish for approximately 50 years.
Although most mining activities occurred between 1862 and 1890, the town never completely collapsed. The Carson and Colorado Railroad reached Benton in 1883.
