The city of Benton, the heart of Saline County, is home to some of the area's oldest burial sites that tell unique stories of our community’s past. Among these, Crouch Cemetery and the historically rich Hughes Cemetery, often referred to as the potter’s field, provide a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us, showcasing life in 19th-century Arkansas.
Crouch Cemetery, a modest yet significant burial ground in Benton, may not be extensively documented in state historical records, but it holds an essential place in local genealogy and cemetery registries. Located near South Street and Interstate 30, behind the site of what was once the Newcomb Garage, this private cemetery is primarily known as the final resting place for members of the Crouch family. Here, one can find the graves of notable individuals such as Benjamin Franklin Crouch, among others, preserving the memory of early Benton settlers.
While it might not boast the size or prominence of larger community cemeteries, Crouch Cemetery continues to play a vital role in Benton’s historical narrative. It serves as a poignant reminder of the families who established roots in this area, shaping the community we know today.
Not far from Benton’s downtown lies another historically significant site: Hughes Cemetery. Commonly acknowledged by locals and historians as the early potter’s field or county cemetery, Hughes Cemetery dates back to the mid-1800s. Named after Green Hughes, a pivotal figure in Benton’s founding, this burial ground is steeped in local lore. Born in North Carolina in 1800, Hughes ventured to Arkansas to build a new life. He operated a general store and became Benton’s first postmaster shortly after Arkansas became the 25th state in June 1836.
When Hughes died in 1858, he and his family chose a plot of land on what was once his farm for his burial. Unfortunately, over time, the original grave markers for Hughes, his wife, Louisa, daughter, Catherine, and son-in-law, Sam Steele, have fallen victim to the ravages of time, becoming lost or vandalized.
As we walk through these historic grounds, let us take a moment to remember the lives interred within and the foundational stories that have shaped our community for generations.
Over the decades that followed, the cemetery grew well beyond its origins as a simple family plot. It became known in the community as a county cemetery, often referred to as a potter’s field—a term historically used for burial sites designated for those without means, unclaimed individuals, or those lacking family to bury them. In this regard, Hughes Cemetery emerged as the final resting place for many of Benton’s early residents, including pioneers and lesser-known locals, many of whom rest without headstones or proper markers.
An 1882 deed highlights the cemetery, describing it as “100 yards square embracing the old graveyard,” indicating that the land had evolved into a communal burial ground rather than just a site for individual families.
Like many older cemeteries in expanding towns, Hughes Cemetery fell into disrepair over the years, suffering from neglect, overgrowth, and vandalism. By the early 2000s, however, interest in preserving it began to grow, leading to the establishment of the Hughes Cemetery Association in 2004, aimed at restoring and maintaining the area. Local volunteers, including Boy Scout troops and various work crews, came together to clear underbrush and put up signage.
In 2019, Hughes Cemetery was added to the Arkansas Register of Historic Places, honoring its significance in Benton’s early history and the importance of remembering those buried there.
Today, although many graves remain unmarked and vulnerable to the effects of time, local historians and community volunteers tirelessly work to safeguard this historic burial site.
Combined, both Crouch Cemetery and Hughes Cemetery emphasize the vital need to preserve local burial sites, not merely as places of rest, but as lasting connections to the history of the region and the lives of its earliest inhabitants.
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