[2] In June 1979, New Market was heavily affected by floods induced by Tropical Depression One, which caused the deaths of 41 people across Jamaica.
[3] A "lake district" was created at New Market, covering 600 acres of land with water up to 90 feet deep.
The government proposed to build a new settlement in the area of the town at Mocho, and a new health centre.
[4] The new town was built by the Urban Development Corporation and was named Lewisville after the Cleve Lewis, a former member of parliament (MP) for the area and the father of Neville Lewis, the MP at the time of the flood and reconstruction.
On 9 December 1983, Lewisville was officially opened by Edward Seaga, the Prime Minister of Jamaica.