History of Benson Township

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step.”

 A interesting fact; outside of the back nine of the City of Benson’s golf course no part of the city limits of Benson has ever been part of Benson Township. In fact according to Minnesota Geographic Names by Warren Upham Originally published in 1920, the first settlers came to the Lake Hassel part of the township in 1867 and Ben Benson settled in the township in 1868 and gave the name to the township. The township was organized in 1871.

The Village and later City of Benson’s name might be tied to Jared Benson a prominent citizen and political leader not to a farmer living north of the newly platted village.