Benton County is a county located in the south-central portion of the U.S. state of Washington. The Columbia River makes up the north, south, and east boundaries of the county. In 2000, its population was 142,475. The county seat is Prosser, and its largest city is Kennewick. It was named after Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton.
Benton County was created out of Klickitat County on March 8, 1905.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county h...
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Benton County is a county located in the south-central portion of the U.S. state of Washington. The Columbia River makes up the north, south, and east boundaries of the county. In 2000, its population was 142,475. The county seat is Prosser, and its largest city is Kennewick. It was named after Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton.
Benton County was created out of Klickitat County on March 8, 1905.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,760 square miles (4,559 km²), of which, 1,703 square miles (4,411 km²) of it is land and 57 square miles (148 km²) of it (3.24%) is water.
The area of south-central Washington occupied by Benton County has been known primarily as an agricultural hub since its settlement by white Americans. The rise of viticulture has had a profound impact on the agricultural and tourism industries over the past two decades, and has in many ways reshaped the reputation of the region. Prominent wineries and tasting rooms located in the area...
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