Benson, with a population of more than 3,300, is located at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Interstate 40 in Johnston County, east of Raleigh and the Research Triangle. It offers small-town living while attracting new residents who work in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Research Triangle Park, all within a one-hour commute.

What are the local attractions?

The town is perhaps best known for Mule Days, which takes place every year on the fourth weekend of September. Originally a Harvest Festival that dates back to 1950, Mule Days now attracts 50,000 visitors for a three-day event that features parades, rodeos, street dances, beauty pageants, bluegrass music, crafts and an array of local food.

An older festival, which started in 1921, is the State Annual Singing Convention. It is the oldest Southern Gospel Convention in the country. The event features amateur duets, trios, quartets, choirs and family groups.

The Benson Museum of Local History is at 322 W. Main St. Retrace Benson's roots with a collection of railroad memorabilia, antiques, quilts, farming and hardware artifacts. Open Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. or call 894-4261 for an appointment.

What's the history?

Benson was founded in 1887 as a railroad town. It is named for early settler Alfred Monroe ("Mim") Benson, who bought a 402-acre tract along the Smithfield-Fayetteville Road in 1874. The town became a market where farmers sold tobacco, cotton, mules, chickens, ham and eggs. Farming is less important to the town's economy, but soybeans, sweet potatoes, hogs and corn are still produced there. Fifty-four acres of the town, including the downtown business district, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here's how you learn more about the town's history.

Who runs the town?

Town Hall is located at 303 E. Church St. The Town Manager is Keith Langdon. The town is governed by six Commissioners and a Mayor. The Commissioners meet at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. For more information, call 894-3553 or go to the town's website.

Who lives here?

The median age in Benson was 34.1 as of the 2000 census. The racial breakdown is 57.6 percent white, 34 percent black, and .4 percent Asian. Hispanics or Latinos of any race make up 7.3 percent of the population. Bachelors degrees or higher are held by 15.3 percent of the population over 25.

What about public safety?

Police services are provided by the Benson Police Department. Here are the crime statistics for 2006 (source: SBI):

Murder: 0

Rape: 1

Robbery: 12

Aggravated Assault: 72

Burglary: 81

Larcenies: 209

Motor Vehicle Theft: 16