Covington, Georgia was founded in 1822 and has experienced much history since that time. Covington is the government seat of Newton County; both Newton County and Covington are full of historical sites. Covington was named after a war hero who served in the War of 1812 – Leonard Covington. Leonard Covington was a United States Congressman and a Brigadier General during his lifetime. Covington’s city name is not the only thing that is associated with war – in 1864, only 42 years after it’s founding, it was attacked during the Civil War. Covington watched as General Sherman, a Union General in the Civil War, marched his troops through their city looting and burning almost everything in their path.
Present day Covington is still surrounded by beautiful, antebellum homes that tell a story all their own. The streets are lined with the white mansions of the 1800s; it is as if you stepped into a scene of “Gone with the Wind.” In fact, one of these beautiful antebellum homes is what inspired the author of “Gone with the Wind,” Margaret Mitchell, of her character Ashley’s home in the renowned novel and film. The home that inspired Mitchell is now a completely operational bed and breakfast. The Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast is a 10,000 square foot pre-Civil war residence that was built in 1836. Newly renovated, the Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Although Covington is rich in history from hundreds of years ago, it is also rich in history from the 20th and 21st century. Covington is also known as the “Hollywood of the South.” Due to its perfect climate, abundance of historical sites, and layout of its city, it is a hot spot in the South for films and television series productions. More recently, Covington has been home to the production of “The Vampire Diaries,” an extremely popular television series. Tours, such as the Mystic Falls tour that focuses on The Vampire Diaries, are available for you to explore Covington and see the sites where some of America’s favorite films and television series have been filmed.
With such a rich history, Covington makes for the ideal destination. We look forward to seeing you and showing you the city we are so proud of.
