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Historic Benton
Hot Springs

More than water—a legacy worth protecting

Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future

Upcoming Events

Past Women of Benton
Past Women of Benton
13 DAYS TO THE EVENT
The "Celebrating the Past Women of Benton" is a historical festival held at the Inn at Benton Hot Springs in California. It celebrates the women who shaped the Eastern Sierra through historical presentations, building tours, and period-specific activities.
Jun 29, 2026, 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs,
55137 CA-120, Benton, CA 93512, USA

The Archives

1852

With the surge of the California Gold Rush, the town served as a natural stopover and Wells Fargo stagecoach checkpoint for fortune-seekers traveling to and from the western Sierras.

1860s

As Benton prospered, businesses sprang up to serve the growing mining community. A Wells Fargo station and stagecoach stop, general stores, hotels,  newspapers, saloons, and breweries made the town a lively regional hub. 

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Pre-1850

People have lived around the Benton Hot Springs for thousands of years, including the ancestors of the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe. 

1859

The discovery of silver at Blind Spring Hill, just east of the hot springs, sparked a mining boom that transformed the area into a thriving town of nearly 1,000 residents.

1870

With the Civil War over and the Industrial Age gaining momentum, silver emerged as the region’s economic engine, driving growth and prosperity throughout Benton.

Ongoing Projects

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Heritage

Cultural Revitalization

We are actively engaging in restoration projects that highlight the vibrancy of Benton Springs' unique history, promoting awareness of its significance during the California Gold Rush.

Education

Educating the Community

Our educational programs aim to inform visitors about the importance of cultural preservation and the stories tied to our town’s heritage.

Volunteering

Community Involvement

Engage with us through volunteer opportunities, where you can help preserve and celebrate the historical legacy of Benton Springs while making a meaningful impact.

“It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.”
 
-William Murtagh

A Legacy in Pictures

Help us grow our collection—submit your historic Benton photographs and become part of preserving our community's heritage.

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