Benson Railroad Historic District
200 & 300 Blocks, E. 3rd St., Benson, AZIn reflecting its economic, social, political, and cultural institutions, Benson's architecture mirrors its role as a secondary transportation and trade center for western Cochise County. Benson's architectural development reflects its early history as a railroad town and a hub city for three major railroads. The railroad era, from 1880 to 1910, influenced Benson's architectural character for thirty years.
Benson grew rapidly in the 1880s following the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the introduction of regular train service. It was the only town in the area with transcontinental connections. The railroad is considered to have been directly responsible for the town's economic growth in three important ways. First, Benson served as the passenger clearing house for southeastern Arizona, where passengers could take stage coaches directly to Tombstone or other regional towns. Second, employment and trade for Benson were produced by the mining operations in the towns of Clifton and Bisbee and the mining districts in the Galliuro and Rincon mountains. Mining products were sent via wagon train to Benson, where they were shipped by rail. Third, Benson became a "hub city" with the arrival of two additional railroads, the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad in 1882 and the Arizona Southeastern Railroad Company in 1894. The Arizona Southeastern Railroad Company, financed by the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company in Bisbee in 1888, was constructed to ship freight to the Southern Pacific connection at Benson. At this time Benson was unique as the only point in Arizona served by three independent railroad lines.
The railroad traffic created a need for retail trades and services, hotels, saloons, livery stables, merchandising establishments, restaurants and housing, as the population grew fourfold from approximately 300 people in 1880 to 1,200 people in 1910. Railroad-related buildings included a large, wood frame railroad station and Wells Fargo express office, and an eight-stall, wood-frame roundhouse. The development which comprised the Benson Railroad Historic District was immediately north of the railroad tracks and the original railroad passenger and freight depot. It provided housing and a hotel to accommodate the increased demand for lodging. The thirty-year railroad era ended in 1910 when the Southern Pacific Railroad opened a direct line from Tucson to Nogales. This caused a significant, negative impact on business interests in Benson since passengers and freight no longer had to travel through Benson to reach Mexico. In addition, the former Arizona Southeastern Railroad Company, having been incorporated into the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad Company in 1901, also changed its route leaving Benson with only one railroad and a great decrease in traffic. This decline in the importance of the railroad in Benson greatly diminished construction activities.
Located near the former freight and passenger depot (which was later relocated, then destroyed by an arsonist), the association of the buildings in the district with the railroad was strong. Built during the railroad era between 1880 and 1910, some of the buildings are in their original locations and some are believed by local residents to have been relocated. The use of dimension lumber (mostly redwood), brought by the railroad, was extensive. The lightweight, wood frame construction technology employed was an American, mainstream tradition.
Among the most significant buildings in the district are the Roadmaster's house (305 E. 3rd Street), the double-roofed house (285 E. 3rd Street), and the Arnold Hotel (253 E. 3rd Street). The Roadmaster's house is the only remaining example of a large Queen Anne Style house in Benson. Strongly associated with the railroad, this residence is one of Benson's most significant buildings. The roadmaster's role was the repair and maintenance of the railroad tracks and right-of-way. The dwelling at 285 East 3rd Street is the largest known example of a double-roofed house in Arizona, and it is a unique example of the Colonial Revival Style. The Colonial Revival Style Arnold Hotel was built around 1879 to accommodate railroad employees, passengers, commercial travelers, and salespeople, who were conducting business in Benson. Built by a retired engineer and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold A. McGinnis, the building has been owned by the Matt Lee family since 1917. Currently unoccupied, the building operated as a hotel until around 1935. The north section of the hotel, which was used for dining, was separated from the sleeping quarters by a porch. The hotel offered bathing with hot and cold running water from its own artesian well and storage tank. According to the owner's son, this was the first artesian well in Benson. Although in generally poor condition, the hotel contributes to the Benson Railroad Historic District due to its Colonial Revival Style and its role in Benson's railroad history. The Arnold Hotel represents the peak of the influence of the railroad in Benson.
While some of the buildings in the Benson Railroad Historic District are in good condition, the majority are in poor condition. Since very few alterations have been made, the historic architectural integrity is generally excellent. The residential district has remained intact to this day because, unlike its East 4th Street commercial counterpart on the south side of the railroad tracks, economic pressures did not force major changes.
Local significance of the district:
Benson grew rapidly in the 1880s following the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the introduction of regular train service. It was the only town in the area with transcontinental connections. The railroad is considered to have been directly responsible for the town's economic growth in three important ways. First, Benson served as the passenger clearing house for southeastern Arizona, where passengers could take stage coaches directly to Tombstone or other regional towns. Second, employment and trade for Benson were produced by the mining operations in the towns of Clifton and Bisbee and the mining districts in the Galliuro and Rincon mountains. Mining products were sent via wagon train to Benson, where they were shipped by rail. Third, Benson became a "hub city" with the arrival of two additional railroads, the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad in 1882 and the Arizona Southeastern Railroad Company in 1894. The Arizona Southeastern Railroad Company, financed by the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company in Bisbee in 1888, was constructed to ship freight to the Southern Pacific connection at Benson. At this time Benson was unique as the only point in Arizona served by three independent railroad lines.
The railroad traffic created a need for retail trades and services, hotels, saloons, livery stables, merchandising establishments, restaurants and housing, as the population grew fourfold from approximately 300 people in 1880 to 1,200 people in 1910. Railroad-related buildings included a large, wood frame railroad station and Wells Fargo express office, and an eight-stall, wood-frame roundhouse. The development which comprised the Benson Railroad Historic District was immediately north of the railroad tracks and the original railroad passenger and freight depot. It provided housing and a hotel to accommodate the increased demand for lodging. The thirty-year railroad era ended in 1910 when the Southern Pacific Railroad opened a direct line from Tucson to Nogales. This caused a significant, negative impact on business interests in Benson since passengers and freight no longer had to travel through Benson to reach Mexico. In addition, the former Arizona Southeastern Railroad Company, having been incorporated into the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad Company in 1901, also changed its route leaving Benson with only one railroad and a great decrease in traffic. This decline in the importance of the railroad in Benson greatly diminished construction activities.
Located near the former freight and passenger depot (which was later relocated, then destroyed by an arsonist), the association of the buildings in the district with the railroad was strong. Built during the railroad era between 1880 and 1910, some of the buildings are in their original locations and some are believed by local residents to have been relocated. The use of dimension lumber (mostly redwood), brought by the railroad, was extensive. The lightweight, wood frame construction technology employed was an American, mainstream tradition.
Among the most significant buildings in the district are the Roadmaster's house (305 E. 3rd Street), the double-roofed house (285 E. 3rd Street), and the Arnold Hotel (253 E. 3rd Street). The Roadmaster's house is the only remaining example of a large Queen Anne Style house in Benson. Strongly associated with the railroad, this residence is one of Benson's most significant buildings. The roadmaster's role was the repair and maintenance of the railroad tracks and right-of-way. The dwelling at 285 East 3rd Street is the largest known example of a double-roofed house in Arizona, and it is a unique example of the Colonial Revival Style. The Colonial Revival Style Arnold Hotel was built around 1879 to accommodate railroad employees, passengers, commercial travelers, and salespeople, who were conducting business in Benson. Built by a retired engineer and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold A. McGinnis, the building has been owned by the Matt Lee family since 1917. Currently unoccupied, the building operated as a hotel until around 1935. The north section of the hotel, which was used for dining, was separated from the sleeping quarters by a porch. The hotel offered bathing with hot and cold running water from its own artesian well and storage tank. According to the owner's son, this was the first artesian well in Benson. Although in generally poor condition, the hotel contributes to the Benson Railroad Historic District due to its Colonial Revival Style and its role in Benson's railroad history. The Arnold Hotel represents the peak of the influence of the railroad in Benson.
While some of the buildings in the Benson Railroad Historic District are in good condition, the majority are in poor condition. Since very few alterations have been made, the historic architectural integrity is generally excellent. The residential district has remained intact to this day because, unlike its East 4th Street commercial counterpart on the south side of the railroad tracks, economic pressures did not force major changes.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The world's largest solar telescope is located in Arizona: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the summit of Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii, is the largest solar telescope in the world. However, the next largest solar telescope, the McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope, is located at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
About Cochise County
Cochise County Timeline
Cochise County, located in southeastern Arizona, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally home to various indigenous populations, including the Apache, Hohokam, and Sobaipuri people. These native groups lived off the land, hunting and practicing agricultural techniques, leaving behind remarkable artifacts and heritage sites.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 17th century brought significant changes to the region. The Spanish established missions and presidios, seeking to convert the native people to Christianity and assert control over the area. However, conflicts between the Apache and Spanish colonizers were frequent, as the Apache fiercely defended their territory and resisted colonization.
In the mid-19th century, tensions escalated in Cochise County as white settlers encroached upon Apache lands. One of the most notable figures of this time was Cochise, a prominent Apache chief who resisted the encroachment and fought against the US Army. Notorious conflicts such as the Battle of Apache Pass and the Apache Wars became synonymous with the region's history.
The establishment of mining towns in the late 19th century greatly influenced the development of Cochise County. Silver, gold, and copper mines attracted a wave of immigrants, creating bustling towns like Tombstone and Bisbee. These towns prospered for several decades, but by the early 20th century, the mining industry declined, leading to economic hardships for the county.
Today, Cochise County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to attract visitors with its historical sites, including Tombstone's historic district and the Chiricahua National Monument, while embracing its Native American roots and celebrating the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 17th century brought significant changes to the region. The Spanish established missions and presidios, seeking to convert the native people to Christianity and assert control over the area. However, conflicts between the Apache and Spanish colonizers were frequent, as the Apache fiercely defended their territory and resisted colonization.
In the mid-19th century, tensions escalated in Cochise County as white settlers encroached upon Apache lands. One of the most notable figures of this time was Cochise, a prominent Apache chief who resisted the encroachment and fought against the US Army. Notorious conflicts such as the Battle of Apache Pass and the Apache Wars became synonymous with the region's history.
The establishment of mining towns in the late 19th century greatly influenced the development of Cochise County. Silver, gold, and copper mines attracted a wave of immigrants, creating bustling towns like Tombstone and Bisbee. These towns prospered for several decades, but by the early 20th century, the mining industry declined, leading to economic hardships for the county.
Today, Cochise County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to attract visitors with its historical sites, including Tombstone's historic district and the Chiricahua National Monument, while embracing its Native American roots and celebrating the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region.
Cochise County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cochise County, Arizona.
- 1850: Cochise County lands become part of the United States through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- 1860: The Butterfield Overland Mail establishes a stagecoach route through present-day Cochise County.
- 1861: Cochise County is officially established as a county in the Arizona Territory.
- 1877: Tombstone is founded and becomes one of the most prosperous mining towns in the region.
- 1881: The infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral takes place in Tombstone.
- 1886: Cochise County witnesses the surrender of Geronimo, marking the end of the Apache Wars.
- 1915: The Cochise County Courthouse in Bisbee is completed, reflecting the wealth and importance of the mining industry.
- 1961: The closure of the Bisbee copper mines leads to a decline in the county's economy.
- 2003: The border town of Douglas becomes a key entry point for drug smuggling from Mexico.