Some pictures of Historic Buildings in Benson, near where we stayed Nov 05 to Jan 06
 |
The Double Roofed House is the largest example in Arizona of this building type.
The second roof was added to provide insulation from the heat.
Badly in need of stabilization, there is an effort underway to begin to protect this relic of the past.
|
 |
Considered one of the grandest homes in Benson, this is known as the Roadmaster's House.
The Roadmaster was responsible for maintenance and repair of the railroad
tracks and right of way. Such an important man required an important home.
|
 |
The main street through town is State Route 80.
This view shows a couple of the old business places in their present use.
|
 |
This mural on one of the downtown buildings evokes memories of the
past glory of stagecoach and rail transportation in Benson.
|
 |
Benson AZ was founded in 1880 as a major transportation center.
The southern pacific Railroad maintained a 6 stall railroad turntable here. The town served the transportation
needs for the mining industry 60 - 100 miles to the south in Bisbee and Tombstone.
|
 |
Today Benson is a tourist center and winter stopover for retirees in motor homes.
The former railroad passenger station has been restored and serves as the Visitor
Information Center in town. Southern Pacific tracks still pass through town and
many trains pass daily.
|
 |
This shuttered building is still owned by the descendants of Chinese immigrants
who came to town during railroad construction. The Wo Hi Company
operated a general merchandise and grocery store here from 1896 to 1989.
|
 |
The Zearing Mercantile building is one of the town's earliest.
On the National Register, it has been restored.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment