Familiar names - Cochise, Chief of the Chiricahua Apaches, and Geronimo, an Apache renegade, who with his band of warriors, eluded the American army for many years before his surrender - are very much a part of the history of the beautiful San Pedro Valley. Yet, for hundreds of years before, other Indians made their home along the San Pedro River. Millions and thousands of years ago the dinosaur and mammoths roamed this area, as is evident from the diggings of the paleontologists and archeologists. Still relatively untouched by humans, the vastness of the landscape, the majesty of the mountains and the cleanliness of the air make this a truly pleasant place to live. 

Benson and the San Pedro River Valley are rich in natural wonders and provide a home for a myriad of wildlife, including more than 500 species of birds. 

Although founded in 1880, Benson civilization began long before with the Spanish missionary, Father Eusibio Kino, who established missions in the late 1600's bringing Christianity and agriculture to the resident Pima Indians. The Pima shared the land with the hostile Chiricahua Apache, who eventually gained control of the area. During the time that the U.S. Army was waging a difficult campaign with the Apaches, the Mormons settled into the area. The Butterfield Overland Stage was founded and the Pony Express began. Benson matured into a bustling railroad town. In 1880 the Transcontinental Southern Pacific Railroad opened the way for two more major rail lines, transporting copper and silver from neighboring mining communities. 

In the 1980's, the discovery of the world-class caverns was announced. The state park caverns, with its fragile and pristine formations, was open to the public in November 1999. More information about Kartchner Caverns can be seen on their website.