The Story

Benton School opened its doors in 1885, serving the educational needs of Poplar Bluff's growing population during a period of significant expansion for the city. Previous known as the 3rd Ward School. It was located at the corner of College and Lindsay streets, the school was a cornerstone of the community for nearly four decades.

By the early 1920s, the original 1885 building had become outdated for the needs of a modern school system. In 1922, the Benton School building was demolished to make way for progress. The site was not abandoned, however—it was reused for the construction of the Williamson-Kennedy School, which continued to serve students at the same location, maintaining the site's educational legacy into the modern era.