Newton Driving Tour

HISTORIC NEWTON

Downtown Driving Tour

Welcome to the Historic Newton Driving Tours! Each of the three routes explores a unique aspect of Newton’s history, from architecture to Mennonite heritage to the railroad and its connection to the Mexican-American heritage and the Chisholm Trail.

Here, you’ll find expanded histories on the featured sites as well as photos and information about the Newton community today. Enjoy the drive!

Select Your Route

Mexican/Railroad/Chisholm Trail Properties

Mennonite Heritage/Bethel College Properties

Architectural Properties

This view of the roundhouse is looking north, circa 1953 title=

These photos show the Mennonite Settler statue and the tile base, which recognizes the contributions of Mennonite Settlers and Turkey Red Wheat title=

On April 15, 1903, construction began on this Cottonwood stone and red brick building with Ionic Columns. The two-story library building was designed by W.W. Rose and constructed by Reikowski and Bartel on land donated by E.C. Llewellen. The source of funding was a $16,000 grant from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Newton resident J. W. Peterson was instrumental in securing the funding. The structure officially opened March 14, 1904, and was a welcome change from rented rooms in the Randall Building at Fifth and Main. In 1924, a $5,000 room was added to the west side and in 1937 the basement was remodeled as a children’s section. The building served until April 1973 when a new library opened in Military Park and the Carnegie Building deed was tendered to the Harvey County Historical Society. It now houses the county historical museum and archives. title=

This undated photo shows the cannon at Military Park. The former Cooper School is visible in the background title=