In the last blog about the history of Newton County, we talked about the earliest known history before the 1800’s. In today’s #WayBackWednesday article we will take you back in time to when Covington was born.
After the settlers forced the Creeks west, land became available in 1805. On Christmas Eve in 1821, Newton County was founded and named after Sergeant John Newton, a Revolutionary War hero. Covington, GA was founded in 1822. The town was originally named Newtonsboro, but was later changed to Covington, in honor of General Leonard Covington.
Did you know that the city of Covington originally had two courthouses in the center of the square park? There was a third one too, yet it was destroyed in the fire of 1883, along with the entire northern side of the square.
Beginning in 1833 and continuing on until 1842, the city of Covington was proposed to be a designated stop on the Georgia Railroad running all the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“The Capture of Covington” was named after Sherman took control of the city. He did, however, spare most of the city especially the antebellum homes. It is not known why General Sherman didn’t completely destroy the beautiful homes of Covington, GA but there are several varying stories that add a mystique to our heritage and past.
There is a Civil War Heritage marker that was dedicated to Covington and can be found on Covington’s downtown square. The courthouse and clock tower we all know and love today is the city’s symbol. It was completed in 1885 and is listed in the National Register of Historical Places.
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