Its proximity to the fort attracted several hundred troops. Benton was born on July 1, 1868 and died September, 1868 when the Army kicked it off its reservation. On weekdays, three thousand people lived in Benton. And during the weekends, five thousand people populated the town. Water was hauled from the Platte River, and it was sold for a dollar a barrel. Two popular institutions were the North Star Saloon and the Desert Hotel. In addition, twenty-three saloons served beer, with five dance halls contributing to this town’s lively environment. During its wild three-month existence, one hundred people were killed.