1871 Water Well Memorial Marker

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Newton in Harvey County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

1871 Water Well Memorial

By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011

1. 1871 Water Well Memorial Marker

Inscription.

Santa Fe engineers were surveying and platting the Newton town site on Section 17 in March 1871. Captain David L. Payne, state legislator from this district, and other early settlers saw the urgent need for domestic drinking water. Captain Payne agreed to supervise the digging of a well in the center of 5th and Main Street intersection.

It was the only domestic drinking water in Newton for several months, and considered the best water for several years thereafter.

The small concrete plaque in the center of this intersection marks the location of the historic well.

Erected by Harvey County Historical Society.

Location. 38° 2.833′ N, 97° 20.695′ W. Marker is in Newton, Kansas, in Harvey County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and 5th Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Click for map. Marker is on the northwest grounds of the former Santa Fe Railway passenger depot. Marker is in this post office area: Newton KS 67114, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Railroad Savings and Loan Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Newton Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Unknown Dead of the Civil War (approx. ¼ mile away); Santa Fe Steam Locomotive #1880 (approx. ¼ mile away); Coastal Defense Cannon (approx. ¼ mile away); Bernhard Warkentin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mennonite Settler (approx. 0.7 miles away); Turkey Red Wheat (approx. 7.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Newton.

By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011

2. 1871 Water Well Memorial Marker

Also see . . .
1. History of Newton, Kansas. (Submitted on June 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)
2. Downtown Historic Walking Tour of Newton. (Submitted on June 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.)

By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011

3. 1871 Water Well Memorial Marker

In foreground shadow, partially obscured to right of benches. Former ATSF Railway passenger depot in background; still served by Amtrak

1871 Water Well Marker Photo, Click for full size

By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011

4. 1871 Water Well Marker

In roadway near the center of the intersection of Main and 5th Streets. Not recommended to try to view given that it is in the middle of a wide, busy intersection.

Credits. This page originally submitted on June 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas. This page has been viewed 90 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Fort Scott, Kansas.