In 1898 a fire swept through Benton, ravaging several buildings. Responding to this disaster, the citizens of Benton took it upon themselves to help prevent another tragedy. The people of Benton organized and raised taxes to create a water works program. Part of this program was the construction of the Benton Stone Water Tower.

The tower was built with a sixty-seven foot limestone base and was topped with a thirty foot wooden tank which supported a windmill, used to pump the water. Several decades later, in 1922, a steel tank replaced the wooden tank and the windmill. The tower's height makes it easily recognized as a prominent structure and landmark in the village of Benton.

The Benton Stone Water Tower is an example of Wisconsin's early water system installations. The tower resulted from a public outcry to improve sanitation and fire protection. The availability of indoor plumbing and bathing was a new and widely appreciated improvement for the citizens of Benton. The Water Tower is also an example of early public works engineering and led to the establishment of the Benton Fire Department.

Today, the Water Tower is seen as a landmark as well as a symbol of the community of Benton and its history.