Occupied Historic Town
Mono County
Circa 1852

Originally a stage stop, Benton Station became a popular place among travelers as the rush towards Aurora and Bodie caused an excessive amount of travel through the area from the south. As a small settlement in 1862, Benton Springs had its own moment in fame when prospectors found gold at nearby Blind Spring Hill which resulted in a gold rush of its own. The population continued to grow steadily reaching near 5,000 residents, until the towns decline in 1869.

It was here at Benton that Prospector William S. Bodey’s partner E. S. Taylor relocated after Bodey’s death during a winter storm in 1859. (See bodie page) Unfortunately for Taylor he would meet his own fate here soon after when he came under attack at his cabin by Paiute Indians. The battle was said to have lasted two days but came to an abrupt end after Taylor’s Cabin was burned forcing him out to face the band of Indians on their terms.

Residences located near the towns southern entrance


Original building in the center of towns main street