Template:Wp-Benton, New York-History

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Kashanquash, a village of the Seneca tribe, was located in the northeast part of Benton as late as 1779. The region became part of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase.

The town was formed in 1803 from the Town of Jerusalem before the formation of Yates County. Originally called the "Town of Vernon," the name was changed to "Snell" to avoid confusion with another "Vernon." Finally, the name was changed to "Benton," after Levi Benton, thought to be the first settler in the town.

In 1818, the town was reduced in size by the founding of the Town of Milo. A further loss of territory came about in 1851 when the Town of Torrey was created.

The Angus Cobblestone Farmhouse and Barn Complex, Barden Cobblestone Farmhouse, Jephtha Earl Cobblestone Farmhouse, William Nichols Cobblestone Farmhouse, Whitaker House, and Abner Woodworth House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.