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Benton County facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Benton County is a name used for several different areas in the United States. In fact, nine different states have a county called Benton County! These counties are named after important people or places in American history.

What is a County?

A county is a part of a state. It is like a smaller division within a state. Counties help organize local government. They manage things like roads, schools, and public safety. Each county has its own government. This government works with the state government.

Why So Many Benton Counties?

Many counties in the United States are named after important historical figures. The name "Benton County" is usually a tribute. Most of these counties are named after a famous American.

Who Was Thomas Hart Benton?

Most Benton Counties are named after Thomas Hart Benton. He was a very important American politician. He lived from 1782 to 1858. He was a United States Senator. He represented the state of Missouri.

Benton served in the Senate for 30 years. This was a very long time! He was a strong supporter of westward expansion. This means he wanted the United States to grow. He wanted it to spread across the continent. He believed in the idea of "Manifest Destiny." This idea was that the US should expand its territory.

Benton was a powerful speaker. He was also a writer. He helped shape many laws. These laws were important for the growing country. Because of his influence, many places were named after him. This included several counties.

Where Are the Benton Counties?

There are nine counties named Benton County today. They are spread across different parts of the United States:

Counties Once Named Benton

Two other counties were once called Benton County. They later changed their names.

See also

In Spanish: Condado de Benton para niños

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