Benwood, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benwood
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 Benwood, Indiana
Location in Clay County, Indiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Clay |
| Township | Van Buren |
| Elevation | 669 ft (204 m) |
| ZIP code |
47834
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| FIPS code | 18-04852 |
| GNIS feature ID | 430833 |
Benwood is a small, unincorporated community located in Van Buren Township, within Clay County, Indiana. Being "unincorporated" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county. Benwood is also part of the larger Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.
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Where is Benwood Located?
Benwood can be found in the state of Indiana, which is in the Midwest region of the United States. Specifically, it's in Clay County. This county is known for its natural beauty and history.
Benwood's Place in Clay County
The community is situated within Van Buren Township. Townships are smaller areas within a county that help organize local services. Benwood is also considered part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's connected to the larger city of Terre Haute for things like jobs and services.
A Look at Benwood's Past
Benwood has a short but interesting history. Like many small communities, its story is often linked to the people who lived there and the jobs they did.
How Benwood Got Its Name
The name "Benwood" likely came from a person named Ben Davis. He was an important official who worked for the railroad. Many places in the past were named after people who helped develop the area, especially those involved with railroads, which were vital for travel and trade.
Early Life and Work in Benwood
A post office was opened in Benwood in 1881. This was an important step for any community, as it made communication much easier. However, the post office only stayed open for a short time, closing in 1882. The main type of work, or industry, in Benwood when it was first developing was mining. This suggests that the area had valuable natural resources, like coal, that people dug out of the ground.
