Benton County

Benton County is a large area in south-central Washington that the Columbia River flows through. Its landscape includes valleys, hills, and a mix of farmland, forests, and towns where people live and work.

The county was formed in 1905 from parts of neighboring counties and took its name from a 19th-century American statesman. This region became important for farming and later for industrial development.

The area developed around farming and early settlement, with local museums displaying artifacts that tell the story of how people built communities here. These collections show how agriculture shaped the way the county grew over generations.

The best way to explore this area is by car since distances are large and roads vary. The main government center is located in Prosser, which serves as a central point for accessing different parts of the county.

Within the county sits a site linked to nuclear research and development that offers educational tours to visitors. This location reveals an important but often overlooked chapter of the region's industrial past.

Location: Washington

Inception: 1905

Capital city: Prosser

Shares border with: Grant County, Franklin County, Walla Walla County, Umatilla County, Morrow County, Klickitat County, Yakima County

Website: https://co.benton.wa.us

GPS coordinates: 46.25000,-119.50000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:59