Explore Grant Historical Society's Fascinating Landmarks

Also known as the Benson House, the Grant Historical House is situated on seven (7) acres of riverfront land and is the first house in the town of Grant. Built in 1916, this pre-cut home arrived by riverboat from Jacksonville, Florida and was the former home of Atley and Clara Christensen Bensen, a pioneer family of Grant.

The precut and ready for for assembly home of Clara Christensen Bensen arrived by riverboat from Jacksonville, Florida in 1916. The purchase price was $1,200.

Clara, her husband Atley and two older sons, Atley Jr. and Russell, lived in the house until the boys were school age. Clara had been a schoolteacher and felt the need to move to Melbourne so that the boys could gain a better education and participate more fully in school activities. A third son, Edward Hartman, was born in Melbourne in 1928. The house was rented for a period of about five years, until the Bensen family returned to Grant. Atley Bensen passed away in 1961, and Clara continued to live in the house until age and failing health necessitated she no longer live alone. At that time the house was again rented.

The home was donated to the Grant Historical Society in 1984 by one of the Bensen sons and officially became a museum in 1987. On the grounds of Fisherman’s Landing Park. you can now find the historic train depot, as well as the Historical Grant House. With the melding of these two historical assets the Grant Historical Society developed plans to insure the preservation of a bit of the history in our area. The addition of air conditioning, burglar and fire alarms and additional electrical work were necessary to protect historical gifts and to meet public building codes are the only additions to the Bensen Home. With these exceptions in mind, you will find the well-preserved house, built of yellow pine, which portrays a simple beauty of yesteryear.

The Grant Historical Society Lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor for over a century. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of the coast and the ocean beyond.