First Courthouse of Newton County

Burkeville won the county seat by a narrow margin. After Quicksand Creek, where the commissioners first met, proved not to be the county's center, residents petitioned in 1847, the legislature named Burkeville seat in 1848, and an 1849 election confirmed it by 86 votes to 82. The courthouse was paid for by subscription. In 1853 a land-title dispute at Burkeville led a committee to lay out Newton instead. An 1855 vote favored Burkeville, but officers stayed in Newton, and the legislature confirmed Newton in 1856.

What the plaque says

First Courthouse of Newton County County organized in 1846; Seat of Justice not established until two years later by public subscription. A building was erected here in 1848 on land donated by John R. Burke for whom the town received its name. Newton became the county seat in 1853.

Where it stands

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