Picture A Day - July 2, 2009
Benton City Normal Institute

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At one time, Benton City was predicted to be the next big city in south Texas, but like many potential metropolises, its future was cut short when it was bypassed by the railroad. The community, located in north Atascosa County just south of San Antonio, quickly faded away, now all that is left is the remains of the school (above) and the cemetery. The Benton City Normal Institute was founded in 1876, the bottom half of the building was the community masonic lodge, the upper floor was the school. In 1919, the school was abandoned, and the stone ruins rest just off FM 3175 near the Atascosa River, Google Maps Streetview Here.