If you're a Vinton native you've probably heard of Benton City. You probably have no idea where it was or what was in it, but you've heard about it. The following is from the local Benton County Historical Society.
If you have a question that you'd like an answer, leave a comment below and we'll see if our history buffs can find an answer!
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From an article in the Vinton Eagle on January 15, 1859.
Benton City is located 6 miles east of Vinton, on the Cedar River, has at least two hundred inhabitants, and two steam sawmills, and two steam flouring mills.
Vinton Eagle; October 18, 1859
Post Office Closed - The Post Office at Benton City, in this county has been discontinued. We are unable to give the precise reason for the discontinuance of the Office but believe that it is in consequence of the Postmaster having failed to fill some requirement of the law. Mail matter intended for Benton City will be directed to *Unity, that being the nearest Post Office to that point.
A few businesses in Benton City 1855 - 1858 (not a complete list)
W. C. Stanberry, Benton City Store - New and Cheap Goods
Benton City Lodge - over Benton City Store
Dr. J. M. Springer - Eclectic Physician
Benton City Cash & Barter Store
Benton City Hotel
The Benton City Mills Co. (Saw and Flour Mill)
A. G. Green - Notary Public, Conveyancer, General Agent
Sea's Hotel & Livery Stable - S. W. Sea
Vinton Review; March 4, 1898 - Paul Noler & Mr. Tremmel are each building a new house near Benton City.
Vinton Eagle; July 15, 1898 - David H. Mercer. who represents the Omaha district was born in Benton County, July 9, 1857. He was born in what was then known as Benton City, some six miles east of Vinton. It was then the principal town of the county. But the river didn't prove to be navigable and it went to pieces. It now exists only in name.
To find Benton City...
The picture attached is where Benton City was. It is believed that this is an 1870 map.
Directions:
Go out of Vinton on the county home road (61st St Ln) turn north (left) on 28th Ave Dr. When you get to the end of that road (60th St) turn right. There is a little bridge you go over (there used to be anyway). After the bridge there are two houses on the left, the 2nd house was in Benton City. This house was either the jail or the post office. Maybe both. Bob Busler lives there now, his maternal grandparents, Everett Ford, lived there for many years. Around the curve on the right is where another house, where the Benton City Hotel was.
The Benton City cemetery (destroyed years ago) was southeast of the hotel a short distance. Exact location is not positively known. There is debate as to if there are anything remaining to show that was a cemetery.
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*Unity
The 1862 and 1864 maps show Unity in Eden Township. I haven't determined the exact location yet, but it was southeast of Vinton and West of Shellsburg. The 1860 Federal Census lists Unity in Eldorado Township. I believe that was a mistake made by the census taker.
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The city of Eden shows up on some maps directly west of Shellsburg, ironically about where the farmer with the "Eden Mutual Insurance" ad is. Was Eden really a town? Was it exactly in that spot (aka where was it), when did it dissolve if so, and why does it still show up on some maps such as KCRG's weather map?
Thanks!