Newton Cowtown History

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HISTORY

Newton Cowtown History

During its cowtown days (1871-1872) Newton was the western terminal of the Santa Fe railroad and a railhead for the famed Chisholm Trail, and was known as "the wickedest city in the West." But these days were short-lived as the rails soon extended to Dodge City. Cowboys were replaced with sodbusters, including a large group of Mennonites who brought Turkey Red wheat to Kansas.

Photo: Harvey County Historical Museum

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