Newton, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newton, Alabama
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Downtown Newton, Alabama
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Location of Newton in Dale County, Alabama.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Alabama |
| County | Dale |
| Area | |
| • Total | 14.28 sq mi (36.98 km2) |
| • Land | 14.25 sq mi (36.90 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2) |
| Elevation | 200 ft (60 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,607 |
| • Density | 112.78/sq mi (43.55/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
36352
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| Area code(s) | 334 |
| FIPS code | 01-54480 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2406989 |
Newton is a friendly town located in Dale County, Alabama, in the United States. In 2020, about 1,607 people called Newton home. This town used to be the main government center for Dale County, but that changed in 1870 when Ozark became the new county seat. Today, Newton is a peaceful farming community that officially became a town in 1887. It's also part of the larger Ozark area.
Contents
Exploring Newton's Location
Newton covers an area of about 14.3 square miles (36.98 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small part being water.
Rivers and Roads in Newton
The Choctawhatchee River flows near Newton, to its north and west. Long ago, steamboats could travel on this river all the way from Choctawhatchee Bay in Florida to Newton!
Two important roads, Alabama State Route 123 and Alabama State Route 134, go right through the town.
Newton's Rich History
Newton was founded in 1843. This happened after Coffee County was created from part of Dale County. The old county seat, Daleville, was no longer in the center.
Newton During the Civil War
During the Civil War, Newton was a place where soldiers joined the Confederate army. In March 1865, a small battle took place here. Local Home Guard troops fought against soldiers from the 1st Florida Cavalry (US). These soldiers were trying to burn the county courthouse. However, the local troops stopped them as they entered the town. A monument in downtown Newton remembers this event. Sometimes, people even re-enact the battle!
The Legend of Sketoe's Hole
A sad event happened near Newton on December 3, 1864. A local minister named Bill Sketoe was killed by some local Home Guardsmen. A unique legend grew from this event. People say that a "hole that won't stay filled" appeared where he was killed. Even after being filled many times, the hole supposedly reappeared. This spot is now covered by a bridge. However, "Sketoe's hole" is still a local story. It was even written about by Alabama author Kathryn Tucker Windham. In 2006, a monument was placed near the site to remember Bill Sketoe. The local museum also has items related to his story.
Changes and Growth in Newton
In 1869, a fire destroyed the courthouse. Then, in 1870, Geneva County was formed from parts of Dale and Coffee Counties. Because of these changes, people voted to move the county seat to Ozark. Ozark was a more central location.
The Southern Star newspaper started in Newton in 1867. It is one of the oldest newspapers in the Wiregrass area. Later, it moved to Ozark and is still published there today. Newton was an important port for river boats until the railroad arrived in 1890. The Baptist Collegiate Institute was a school in Newton from 1898 to 1929. Its main building is now the town's public library.
Newton's Population and People
A Look at Newton's Community in 2020
According to the 2020 census, Newton had a population of 1,607 people. The average age of residents was about 44.5 years old. About 22.4% of the people living in Newton were under 18. Also, about 22.2% were 65 years old or older.
Newton is a completely rural town, meaning everyone lives in areas that are not considered urban. There were 651 homes in Newton. Many of these homes, about 30.6%, had children under 18 living there.
Learning in Newton
Newton is home to its very own Elementary School, where younger students in the community attend classes.
Related Topics
- Battle of Newton (Alabama)
See also
In Spanish: Newton (Alabama) para niños
