The name "Benton" derives from Fort Benton, Montana, a significant fur trading post established in 1846 by the American Fur Company on the Missouri River. Originally called Fort Lewis, it was renamed in 1850 after U.S. Senator Thomas Hart Benton (1782–1858) of Missouri, a staunch advocate for American western expansion who supported policies facilitating trade and settlement in the region. Fort Benton served as a key supply hub for the Canadian prairies via the Whoop-Up Trail, a smuggling and trade route extending into southern Alberta during the late 19th century, which likely influenced the adoption of the name for the Alberta locale.
The Post Office opened April 1, 1912, and closed on August 31, 1968.