07. Benson Depot & Wells Fargo Freight Office c. 1909
Mural Depiction
This is a rendering from an actual photograph circa 1909 (shown here) of the Benson depot's south side looking northeast. The building in the foreground was built as the Wells Fargo freight office in 1885. The original photograph can be seen to the right.
Background Information
Built in 1880 the depot served Benson well until the 1970's when it was demolished.
Today the current visitor center replaces it. The visitor center attempts to capture the flavor of the original depot today as seen in this photograph.
The Visitor Center has various memorabilia of Benson's railroad history which includes a working model of a Union Pacific train. In addition, there are exhibits on Apache Nitrogen Co., Geronimo, and other items of interest. Train exhibits are continually being updated.
Mural Information
Artist: Doug Quarles
Size: 5' x 9'
Completed: August 2013
Sponsors:
City of Benson
Arizona G & T Cooperatives
Benson Beautification
Benson Jr. Women