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

1871 Water Well Memorial

Photographed 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kansas, Harvey County Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1871.

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

Regionally, this marker and memorial is in Central Kansas and in Greater Wichita.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Railroad Savings and Loan Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Midland National Bank (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Jacob Krehbiel Memorial Park (about 700 feet away); Anderson Book and Office Supply (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Masonic Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ragsdale Opera House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newton Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Unknown Dead of the Civil War (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newton.

Also see . . . Newton, Kansas – Rowdy Cowtown. Legends of Ameria website entry (Submitted on March 13, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2011

2. 1871 Water Well Memorial Marker

Photographed 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 image. Click for full size.

Photographed 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 was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 777 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.