Our Community

Jasper County/Newton is a tight knit community in Southeastern Illinois. It is strategically located close to two major interstates, that are easily accessed via two class two truck routes, Illinois Route 33 and Illinois Route 130 that converge in Newton, the county seat.  Jasper County also has rail lines provided by Illinois Central Railroad and the Indiana Railroad

Because of the strategic location of Jasper County/Newton, it is the perfect place to raise a family, or retire. It is the perfect match of accessibility to larger towns that are nearby, but also having the ability to have a slower-paced, quieter lifestyle in a smaller community.

Residents of Jasper County/Newton enjoy many outdoor activities that are as diverse as the people who call it home. Jasper County/Newton boast a wide range of outdoor opportunities with Sam Parr State Park, Newton Fish and Wildlife Area, hunting and fishing lodges, an aquatic center and skate park as well as one of the last remaining drive in theaters.

There are also many opportunities for youth sports with the Jasper County School system, Jasper County Boys and Girls Park, Sunrise Youth Soccer and a youth basketball program. Residents often enjoy watching Newton Eagles play football under the Friday night lights during the fall. There are also many active 4-h groups that kids participate in with their projects being displayed every summer at the local county fair.

Jasper County Schools are also known for providing a top tier education, and many educational opportunities.  Students who graduate from Newton Community High School often do well in college or the workforce upon graduation. While attending Jasper County schools, students have the ability for many extracurricular activities. The Newton FFA chapter is a very successful FFA chapter, winning many contests at the local, state and national levels.

Jasper County/Newton is a great place to grow your family, or to grow a business. There are ample opportunities awaiting people who settle in Jasper County/Newton.

Newton is the largest and oldest town in Jasper County, Illinois. Because of its favorable location within the county, it was named county seat in 1835.

Jasper County was formed in 1831 and approved on December 19, 1834. The county was named after American Revolutionary War hero, Sergeant Jasper. He and his close friend, Sergeant Newton, were patriots who saved American prisoners of war from certain death at the hands of British soldiers. Thus, the county and town became their namesakes.

A post office was established in Newton in March of 1883. The post office was not established in a building, but rather in a man’s hat. A rider brought the mail from Vincennes, Indiana, made a stop in Newton once a week, and then continued delivering mail on his route north of Newton.

By 1841 the town had increased to five families. Lawrence Hollenbock and Samuel Garwood built a saw and grist mill and Benjamin Harris opened the first grocery store in Newton. In 1855, Newton had Miller’s Hotel and a small inn known as The American House, that is now Yesterday’s and Today’s Pub.

By 1865, the population of Newton grew to 300 and a decade later reached 400 people. In 1874 Joe Litzelman’s Hack Express began traveling daily to and from Olney on what is now Illinois Route 130.

The U.S. Census reports a 2010 population of 2,849 in the City of Newton. The community is made up of local businesses, industry, a high school of more than 450 students and many organizations and churches.