In early summer, 1871, Newton, Kansas was described as a rapidly growing settlement driven by the pending arrival of the AT&SF Railroad and its role in the cattle trade. Longhorn cattle and bored cowboys filled the countryside. Newton was characterized by its abundance of saloons, dance hall lgirls, and a rough-and-tumble atmosphere. The town quickly attracted a diverse population of hopeful residents and transient cowboys.
Salesmen of town lots emphasized that Newton was a great place to settle, while competing communities emphasized Newton’s violence – such as the shootout leading to the first burial in what would become Boot Hill.
Newspaper articles read by our ancestors emphasize Newton’s transformation from a bare prairie to a bustling railroad town, reflecting the quick development spurred by its strategic location and economic activity.
THIS EPISODE HAS BEEN GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY HARVEY COUNTY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES OF NEWTON, KS. Visit them online at www.hchm.org.
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– Darren