Historical Markers in
Newton County, Texas

Autrey-Williams House Biloxi Community Bleakwood Cemetery Blum Male & Female College Bon Wier Bonner Cemetery Burkeville Church of God Cade Building Call Call Church of God in Christ Cedar Grove Community Colonel John R. Burke Home Site Deweyville Farr's Chapel Cemetery Farrsville Farrsville Cemetery Fawil Sam Herrin Cemetery First Baptist Church of Newton First Courthouse of Newton County Ford Chapel, Cemetery, and School Francis Wilson Hardy Cemetery Howell Cemetery Inman Cemetery Josephus S. Irvine Mattox Cemetery McFarland-Wilson Cemetery Mill Creek Cemetery Newton Cemetery Newton City Cemetery Newton County Newton County Courthouse Newton County Pre-War Maneuvers Newton County, C.S.A. Old Union Church & Cemetery Original Site, Burkeville Methodist Church Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Henry Stephenson Round Table Inn Salem Sand Ridge Cemetery Shankleville Community Site of Old Burr's Ferry (At Highway Bridge) Site of the Town of Belgrade Stephen Alexander McBride Stringtown Schoolhouse Swift Cemetery Sycamore Cemetery Tanner Cemetery Tatum House The Old Beef Road The Spears Chapel Methodist Church The Survey Community Toledo Bend Town of Newton Trout Creek Cemetery Trout Creek Missionary Baptist Church W. H. Ford Male & Female College Watson Chapel Cemetery Watson Chapel Methodist Church Weeks Chapel Cemetery Wiergate William Blewett Wilson Chapel Cemetery Woods Cemetery Woods Park (Newton County Fairgrounds)
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Newton County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapans and the Caddo people. The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century led to conflicts between the Native Americans and the newcomers.

In 1836, Newton County was officially established and named after John Newton, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county's geographical location, with its fertile land and proximity to major waterways, attracted many settlers, particularly from Southern states. The region's economy was largely based on agriculture, with cotton and timber being major industries.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and gas brought prosperity to Newton County. The oil boom transformed the county, attracting numerous oil companies, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy. However, the boom eventually declined, leading to a shift back to agriculture and timber as the primary sources of income.

Throughout its history, Newton County has been shaped by both natural and man-made disasters. The county has been prone to hurricanes and floods, with devastating effects on the community. In recent years, efforts have been made to implement flood control measures and improve disaster preparedness.

Today, Newton County remains a rural area with a population that values its rich history and natural beauty. It continues to be a place of agriculture, timber, and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors with its scenic landscapes and wildlife. The county's history and resilience serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its residents and the strength of the community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Newton County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Newton County is established by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1870s - The county experiences growth due to the expansion of the lumber industry.
  • 1904 - A devastating fire destroys a significant portion of the town of Newton.
  • 1907 - Bon Wier is established as a sawmill town.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county.
  • 1940 - The Toledo Bend Reservoir is constructed, resulting in the flooding of parts of Newton County.
  • 1960s - The construction of the Toledo Bend Dam leads to increased tourism and recreational activities in the county.
  • 1990s - Newton County experiences population growth due to its proximity to the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Rita causes significant damage to the county.