Benton, the County Seat of Franklin County, was founded in 1841, and incorporated in 1902. Benton was named after Thomas Hart Benton, a senator from Missouri. West City was incorporated in 1911.

The first area school, the Benton Academy, opened in 1841. The first church was also organized during the same year. Of critical importance to the town's development, a railroad came through Benton in 1879.

Benton and West City are the "Sister Cities of Hospitality for Rend Lake." Each May local citizens celebrate the building of Illinois' second largest man-made lake, Rend Lake, with the annual "Rend Lake Water Festival." This is a fun filled 5-day event, sponsored by The Benton/West City Area Chamber of Commerce. Many other community events are scheduled each year, providing the residents with family activities and entertainment.

In 2000, the estimated population of Benton and West City was 8,000. An additional 276,000 residents live within a thirty-five mile trade area. Over four million tourists visit our area annually since the development of Rend Lake.

In the past, coal mining and agriculture were the major industries. Today, The Bombardier Motor Corporation, manufacturers of water recreational vehicles makes their home here, along with other boat-related businesses, which gives us the honor of being the "Boat Building Capital of America." In the Benton/West City Area, government jobs at the city, county, state, and federal levels employ over 300 people. The healthcare industry has also grown in Franklin County, making it one of the top five employers. Small plants in the area manufacture tools, water-well bits, and other items. The tourism industry is also a rapidly growing source of employment in this area. Benton has two industrial parks with very diverse businesses located in them.