Dual cameras monitor Union Pacific’s Lordsburg Subdivision at milepost 1032 in Benson, Arizona — a busy east–west freight corridor. Trains at this location commonly include mixed freight, intermodal traffic, and occasional unit trains. Operations are dispatcher controlled, providing steady but unpredictable rail activity day and night.
Railroad: Union Pacific Railroad
Subdivision: Lordsburg Subdivision (Sunset Route)
Typical Traffic: Intermodal, manifest freight, automotive trains, and occasional unit trains
Estimated Train Count: 25–40 trains per day
Passenger Service: Amtrak Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle.
The Benson Visitor Center is housed in a replica of the historic Benson Train Depot in downtown Benson, Arizona, reflecting the city’s strong railroad heritage. It serves as the official visitor information center for Benson and Cochise County, offering travel tips, maps, brochures, and suggestions on local attractions like Kartchner Caverns State Park and other regional sights. The center includes interactive exhibits — notably a train simulator — where visitors of all ages can learn about railroad history and even earn a “Locomotive Engineer” certificate. The center has been recognized for accessibility and inclusivity, maintaining certifications aimed at welcoming visitors of all needs. In short, the Benson Visitor Center combines tourist information services with hands-on exhibits and local history, making it a helpful and engaging first stop for visitors to Benson and surrounding Cochise County.
Visit their Website: Benson Visitor Center
Benson is a historic railroad town in southeastern Arizona, located along Interstate 10 about 45 miles east of Tucson. Founded in 1880 as a Southern Pacific Railroad hub, Benson quickly became a key shipping point for nearby mining communities like Tombstone and Bisbee. Rail transportation has shaped the city’s identity from the beginning — and trains remain an active part of daily life. Today, Benson sits on the busy Union Pacific mainline (formerly Southern Pacific), with regular freight traffic passing through town. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited route also serve the community, maintaining its long-standing passenger rail connection. With wide-open desert views, dramatic Arizona skies, and steady mainline traffic, Benson offers a classic Southwestern railroading backdrop. The city is also known as the gateway to Kartchner Caverns State Park and other Cochise County attractions, making it a welcoming stop for travelers and railfans alike.