America Newton
America Newton was one of the original African-American pioneers who helped launch the former mining town of Julian, California, in the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego. Newton was a former slave who provided laundry services in Julian during its gold rush days and beyond. She resided in Julian for more than 50 years.
She arrived in Julian in 1872, having come from Independence, Missouri. Newton owned an homestead near Julian. A gift shop in Julian is named in her memory. She died of pneumonia in 1917.
She is buried in the Julian Cemetery.
