Those of us from down south have a tendency to think big city when we hear the words New Jersey or New York but nothing could be further from the truth. Sure there are densely populated areas of both those states but there are more rural and farming areas than crowded cites. Newton is the county seat of Sussex County and a very old township. Sussex County claims to be the greenest county in New Jersey and looking around the country side seems to support that claim. We noticed many fields of tall, healthy looking corn and even sunflowers. When we think of sunflowers we think of North Dakota but here we are in New Jersey with fields of sunflowers. There are farms and gardens at every turn and we have seen numerous road side stands selling local vegetables. The topography is very hilly and reminds us of East Tennessee.
Welcome sign
Sunflowers near the welcome sign
At the center of downtown Newton is a square that has been there since 1762 and was originally the courthouse yard. It was used for political meetings, corporal punishment, militia training, public entertainment, and a common pasture. Until 1858 voters in township elections indicated their choice by moving either up or downhill on the green for a head count. North bound traffic passing thru Newton navigates the downhill side of the square and South bound traffic the uphill side.
Looking downhill at the square across the path for South bound traffic
Facing South bound traffic traveling uphill
North bound traffic traveling downhill
Looking downhill inside the square
Monument inside the square
Presbyterian church above square
Us parked beside the Presbyterian church
Typical houses near the square
House behind the church
Old mansion now used as a rest home
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