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Newton, Kansas

Newton, Kansas

Newton's history begins in 1870 with the arrival of Judge R.W.P Muse, a railroad agent representing the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, who was investigating possibilities for extending the railroad. Located on the Chisholm Trail, Newton seemed a very logical location for a Santa Fe terminal. By 1871, the new town had been named by a group of Santa Fe stockholders after their hometown, Newton, Massachusetts. With the completion of the railroad line in 1871, along with stockyards and loading chutes, came a shift in the cattle trade from Abilene to Newton. Newton became the West's newest cowtown and soon became known as "Bloody and lawless - the wickedest city in the west" enjoying the cowboy reign from June 1871 to January 1873. Completion of the Santa Fe to Dodge City and a branch to Wichita drew the cowboys to these places, ushering in more peaceful and prosperous times.

In 1874 Mennonites came to Newton, bringing Turkey Red hard winter wheat to the area on a large scale. Mennonite immigrant Bernhard Warkentin was instrumental in the development of Newton. Warkentin's efforts with hard winter wheat made Kansas known as the "breadbasket of the world."

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Bethel College

North Newton is home of Bethel College. Built in 1888, the striking Bethel College Administration building made of Kansas limestone in the Romanesque Revival style attracted the community's attention from the very beginning.

Newton, KS Colleges

Warkentin House

The historic Warkentin House is the former home of Bernhard and Wilhelmina Warkentin, built in 1887. It is a splendid example of the Victorian period in American architecture and furnishings. As a museum, the house offers a glimpse into the way the Warkentins lived, since 80

Newton, KS Famous Homes

Kauffman Museum

The Kauffman Museum is located on the Bethel College campus in North Newton. The museum emphasizes the cultural and natural history of the Central Plains and the immigration of the Mennonites to Kansas in the 1870

Newton, KS Museums

Carriage Factory Gallery & Park

In 1883-1884, one of Newton's largest industries was established, J.J. Krehbiel's Carriage Factory. Mr. Krehbiel was one of the founders of Bethel College. In 1993

Newton, KS Arts

Mennonite Settler Statue

The tallest, sturdiest Mennonite in Kansas stands seventeen feet tall in the Athletic Park. He is the Mennonite Settler Statue built in 1942

Newton, KS Landmarks

Things to do near Newton, KS

Stone Lake

Stone Lake offers fishing, boating, wind surfing, a river nature trail, picnic area/grills and shelter houses. ...

Anderson Book & Office Supply

Anderson Book and Office Supply was established in 1892 in a vacant lot at 420 N. Main. Phillip Murray Anderson opened a maga...