Benson County is located in the northeast corner of North Dakota, bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The county is primarily rural, with a population of just over 6,000 people spread across its 890 square miles. The terrain consists of rolling hills and open plains, with an average elevation of 1,906 feet above sea level.
The county is named after Beadle County which was formed in 1883 when it was split from Pembina County. Benson County was formed later in 1884 from a portion of Beadle County. It is home to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation which covers nearly one third of the county’s land area and is home to over 4,000 members of the Chippewa-Cree Tribe.
The climate in Benson County is classified as semi-arid with cold winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from -10°F to 90°F throughout the year with an average annual precipitation rate of 16 inches per year. Snow can be expected throughout much of winter months while rainfall mainly occurs during spring and summer months.
The landscape within Benson County consists mostly of open prairie grasslands interspersed with small wooded areas along rivers and streams. There are also several wetland areas scattered throughout the county which provide important habitat for various wildlife species including waterfowl, deer, elk and moose. The Turtle Mountains dominate the landscape on the western side of Benson County and are a popular destination for hikers, campers and hunters alike due to their abundance of wildlife and scenic views.
Overall, Benson County offers a diverse landscape ranging from prairies to wetlands to mountains that make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking or just enjoying nature’s beauty.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Benson County, North Dakota
The county seat of Benson County is the city of Minnewaukan, located in the north-central part of the county. It is home to over 500 people and is the location for many county government offices including the courthouse, sheriff’s department, and county assessor. Minnewaukan also serves as an important commercial hub for the area with several stores, restaurants, and other services.
Other cities in Benson County include Maddock and Oberon. Maddock is located in the southern portion of Benson County near the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and has a population of just over 700 people. The town is known for its historic buildings such as The Maddock Opera House which was built in 1910 and serves as a popular venue for entertainment events throughout the year. See cities in North Dakota.
Oberon is located on the southeastern edge of Benson County near Lake Ashtabula and has a population of around 400 people. It has several businesses including a grocery store, gas station, hardware store, and several restaurants that serve local favorites like bison burgers or wild rice pancakes. Oberon also boasts some beautiful parks along Lake Ashtabula where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing or just taking in nature’s beauty.
Overall, Benson County offers small towns with plenty of charm that are perfect for anyone looking for a slower pace of life away from larger cities but still close enough to enjoy all that North Dakota has to offer.
History of Benson County, North Dakota
Benson County is located in the northeastern part of North Dakota and was established in 1883. It was named after the former governor of Minnesota, John S. Benson, who served from 1876-1882. The county is home to a population of just over 6,000 people and covers an area of 1,033 square miles.
The area that is now Benson County has been inhabited for centuries by various Native American tribes including the Lakota, Dakota Sioux and Chippewa. In the early 1800s European settlers began to move into the area and by the late 1800s homesteaders had begun to populate much of what is now Benson County.
In 1883 Benson County was officially organized as a county and Minnewaukan was chosen as its first county seat. At this time much of the economy in Benson County revolved around farming and ranching with many small family farms dotting the landscape throughout the county.
Throughout much of its history Benson County has been an agricultural community but more recently it has become known for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. It also boasts some beautiful scenery ranging from prairies to wetlands to mountains which make it a popular destination for tourists alike.
Today Benson County continues to be primarily an agricultural community but also serves as a recreational hub for those looking to explore all that North Dakota has to offer.
Economy of Benson County, North Dakota
Benson County, North Dakota is located in the northeast part of the state and is home to a population of just over 6,000 people. It covers an area of 1,033 square miles and is primarily an agricultural community with small family farms dotting the landscape throughout the county.
Agriculture remains a major contributor to Benson County’s economy today, with corn, wheat and soybeans being some of the most common crops grown in the area. In addition to farming and ranching, Benson County also has a thriving tourism industry due to its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping and hiking.
The county also has several businesses that provide goods and services for locals such as grocery stores, hardware stores, restaurants and more. There are also several manufacturing companies in Benson County that produce various products ranging from farm equipment to furniture and more.
In recent years there has been an increase in oil production in Benson County due to advances in hydraulic fracturing technology which has created a number of new jobs for locals as well as increased revenue for the county government. This increase in oil production has had both positive and negative impacts on Benson County’s economy but overall it has been beneficial for locals who have seen higher wages as a result of this new industry.
Overall, Benson County’s economy is diverse with agriculture remaining one of its main sources of income but other industries such as tourism, manufacturing and oil production have also become important contributors to its overall economy.
