Notorious Newton 1871-1895

In the 1870s it was said; “There is no Sunday west of Newton . . . and no god west of Pueblo.” Between 1871 and 1873, Newton was known as the "wildest town in the West." Even though Newton was the latest rail head for the AT&SF, law enforcement was completely absent in 1871 and into early 1872. Cowboys, saloon owners, drifters of all types found their way to Newton in the summer of 1871.

Henry Lovett opened the first saloon in May 1871 at the northwest corner of 4th & Main. The first passenger train stopped in Newton on July 17, 1871.

The violence started early. Judge RWP Muse recorded that on "June 15, 1871 Snyder shot and killed Welsh in front of Gregory’s saloon. Both were “cow-boys”. A few days later Johnson killed Irvin in the Parlor Saloon. His pistol was accidentally discharged, the ball passing though a partition and killing Irvin. . a man of no known character."

One specific part of Newton, Hide Park, had the worst reputation. One person describing it as "Hell upon Earth, with all it's horrors." This area was the setting for most the most violent incidents in early Newton. Although quiet and respectible now, the places on this tour once were part of Notorious Newton.