America Newton facts for kids
America Newton (born Dyer Newton; 1835 – 1917) was an important African-American pioneer. She helped start the mining town of Julian, California. This town is located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, east of San Diego. America Newton was one of the first African-American women to settle in this area.
She had been a slave before coming to Julian. During the gold rush days, and for many years after, she ran a laundry service. She lived in Julian for over 50 years, making a big impact on the community.
Life in Julian
America Newton arrived in Julian in 1872. She had traveled all the way from Independence, Missouri. She became a landowner, owning an 80-acre (320,000 m2) homestead (a piece of land with a home) close to Julian.
Newton was known for her friendly and talkative nature. She ran a laundry service for the miners in town. She would often deliver the clean clothes herself. A family friend, James Cole, helped her by providing a horse and buggy. This made her one of the first African-American women to run her own business in the area.
Today, a gift shop in Julian is named after her. There is also a trail near where her cabin used to be, honoring her memory. According to official records, she was married and had a daughter. She lived longer than her husband. America Newton passed away in 1917 from pneumonia. She is buried in the Julian Cemetery in Julian, California.
