Benton, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benton, Mississippi
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 Benton, Mississippi
Location in Mississippi
Benton, Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| County | Yazoo |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.57 sq mi (11.82 km2) |
| • Land | 4.56 sq mi (11.82 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 315 ft (96 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 415 |
| • Density | 90.93/sq mi (35.11/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
39039
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| GNIS feature ID | 2804175 |
Benton is a small community in Yazoo County, Mississippi. It's known as a census-designated place, which means it's an area identified by the census for statistics. In 2020, about 415 people lived here. You can find Benton along Mississippi Highway 433.
Contents
History of Benton
Early Days of Benton
Benton was first settled in 1828 by a person named William P. Gadberry. The very first county court meetings were held in his log home. A "county seat" is the main town where the government of a county is located.
In 1829, Benton became the county seat for Yazoo County. This meant it was an important center for the area. Benton grew quickly and became a busy place for trade. It officially became a chartered town in 1836 and was incorporated in 1846.
However, in 1849, the county seat moved to Yazoo City. After this, Benton became much smaller. Many houses became old and worn down. The town's population dropped to about 40 or 50 people. There were only a few small stores left.
Schools and Growth
Things started to change for Benton in the early 1900s. In 1912, the Yazoo County Agricultural High School was built here. It was one of the biggest and best schools of its kind in Mississippi. Then, Benton High School opened in 1930. It was used until the late 1990s.
These schools helped Benton grow again. New gravel roads were built, making it easier for families to move to the town. New stores opened, a deep well was dug for water, and a telephone system was set up.
A Step for Civil Rights
In 1966, a very important event called the March Against Fear passed through Benton. This march was part of the Civil Rights Movement, which worked for equal rights for all people. Martin Luther King Jr. and other marchers camped near the Oak Grove AME Church, just south of Benton. People from the church and the Woods family gave them food and water. Today, there is a special marker there to remember this historic event.
Life in Benton
Education in Benton
Students in Benton attend schools that are part of the Yazoo County School District. Younger students go to Yazoo County Middle School. Older students attend Yazoo County High School. There is also a private school in Benton called Benton Academy.
Local Services
The Benton Volunteer Fire Department helps keep the community safe. They are a team of volunteers who respond to emergencies.
Fun and Recreation
If you like golf, the Benton Country Club is located right in town. It's a place where people can play golf and enjoy outdoor activities.
Notable People from Benton
Some interesting people have connections to Benton:
- Fred Waters was a professional baseball player. He also worked as a coach for minor league teams.
- John Sharp Williams was a very important politician. He was the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1903 to 1908. He lived on a nearby property called Cedar Grove Plantation.
