Population |
13,952 |
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Physical Features: Easternmost Texas county of densely forested hills, valleys; spring-fed streams; Toledo Bend Reservoir; Sabine River; mostly sandy soils.
Economy: Forestry, government/services, tourism.
History: Caddo Indian area. Displaced Coushattas moved across area from South. Anglo-American settlement established in 1830s. Antebellum slaveholding area. County created 1846 from Jasper County, organized the same year; named for American Revolutionary soldier John Newton.
Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 73.0; Black, 20.2; Hispanic, 3.6; Asian, 0.8; Other, 0.9; Two or more races 1.9.
Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 136; deaths, 168; marriages, 61; divorces, 54.
Recreation: Toledo Bend Reservoir, water sports, fishing, hunting, birding, tourism, state forest, Azalea Canyons; Belgrade, site of early town.
Minerals: Oil, gas.
Agriculture: Cattle, hay, nursery crops, vegetables, goats, hogs. Market value $2.9 million. Hunting leases. Major forestry area.
NEWTON (2,400) county seat; lumber manufacturing, plywood mill, private prison unit, tourist center; genealogical library, museum; Wild Azalea festival in March.
Deweyville (960) power plant, commercial center for forestry, farming area.
Other towns include: Bon Wier (375); Burkeville (603); Call (493); South Toledo Bend (474); Wiergate (350).
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Welcoming sign at the easternmost point on state highways on Texas 63. Photo by Robert Plocheck. |