Benton was a former center-wheel catamaran snagboat and was converted by James B. Eads, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1861 and commissioned February 24, 1862 as part of the Army's Western Gunboat Flotilla.

On April 29, 1861 Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles received correspondence from James Eads concerning the viability of converting Submarine No.

7 was a snagboat built by the US Navy that had been purchased by Eads' Missouri Wrecking Company and modified to raise sunken steamboats on the Mississippi River.

Commander William D. Porter complained that the finished vessel was too slow, and history has recorded that Eads replied that she was still fast enough to fight in.

[2] In addition to intermittently hosting both Admirals Andrew Foote and David Porter, the Benton had several commanding officers over the duration of her service.

[10] On 10 May, she was present for the Battle of Plum Point Bend where a Confederate ram flotilla ambushed the fleet, sinking the Cincinnati and the Mound City before being driven off.

[2] On April 16, under the direction of Admiral David Porter, the Benton led a nighttime charge past the guns of Vicksburg.

Protecting the Ivy from cannon fire, the Benton led a column of ten additional vessels past the heavy artillery batteries.

Passing at a range of 800-yard (730 m) the Benton was hit 5 times, including 1 10-inch (250 mm) round that split her casemate, injuring several crewmen.

As the battle continued, the speed of the current increased and overwhelmed the Benton's engines and she was swept downstream before the bombardment's conclusion.

[13] On March 10, the Benton led a large fleet up the Red River to aid the Army in subduing Shreveport, LA.