Region: Panhandle Plains
On the divide between South Wichita and Brazos rivers, city was established
in 1884 when 12 houses were built with lumber hauled from Wichita Falls. City
was named after town founder H.G. Bedford's son, Benjamin, who was fatally
struck by lightning as a child. Early center of cattlemen's activities, present
seat of Knox County, still a major farming area for wheat, seedless watermelons,
potatoes and onions. Area also is known for wild hogs and was one of the first
to post "wild hogs crossing" signs in the state. The area is popular with
hunters for its abundance of geese, duck, deer, dove, quail, turkey and wild
hog. A jail built in 1887 still stands as a private home, and the safe of an old
bank still stands next to the current sheriff's office.