Benton

The Benton neighborhood is centrally located in Independence and is bounded by Lexington Avenue to the north Sea Avenue to the south Noland Road to the west and Hunter Street to the east. The area also includes the historic Woodlawn Cemetery. 

History & Architecture

The Benton Neighborhood lies just east of the Independence Square and measures approximately one square mile. A portion of the area includes the original plat of Independence along with some of its earliest additions. The earliest homes constructed here date to the mid-nineteenth century, many of which survive today. Most of these homes can be found north of Woodlawn Cemetery and just east of Noland Road. The eastern side of the neighborhood remained agricultural until after World War II as subdivisions were developed for returning soldiers. Development of Benton brought with it infill housing that included worker's cottages and bungalows starting at the turn of the twentieth century and ranch and traditional tract style homes starting in the 1940s and 1950s.

The unique and varied architecture of the Benton Neighborhood reflects both the development patterns of Independence as well as its early history. In addition to mature trees and several parks, Benton boasts some of the oldest houses in Independence to survive the Civil War's Order Number 11, which ordered its occupants to pledge allegiance to the Union or have their properties burned to the ground.  

Benton Neighborhood Amenities