The Georgia city that survived Sherman's March to the Sea
In short: In 1864, General Sherman's troops marched through Covington, looting the city and destroying many buildings. Yet, amidst the chaos of the Civil War, several antebellum homes were spared, leaving behind a preserved architectural legacy that defines this historic corner of the Atlanta metropolitan area today.
Founded by European immigrants and incorporated in 1821 as the seat of Newton County, Covington's early growth was tied to the arrival of the railroad in 1845. The city was named in honor of Leonard Covington, a United States Army Brigadier General and Congressman who served as a hero during the War of 1812. While the 1864 March to the Sea brought destruction, the city's structural identity remains anchored in its historic districts. The city officially transitioned from a settlement to a city in 1854. It sits in north central Georgia, positioned roughly 35 miles west of downtown Atlanta.
Today, the city's character is protected by specific ordinances. Both the North Covington and the Covington Historic Districts, encompassing the downtown square, Floyd Street, and North Emory Street, appear on the National Register of Historic Places. These regulations ensure that any proposed changes to properties within these districts undergo a review process to preserve their historical integrity. The North Covington district specifically includes Odum Street as a central hub.
Beyond its wartime history, Covington has evolved into a diverse community of 14,192 residents as of the 2020 census. The landscape is a mix of industrial and agricultural heritage, featuring the Covington Mill Village and the nearby Starrsville Historic District. The area's economy is also looking toward the future, with plans for Stellantis to manufacture Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL air taxi within the city. The local school district manages over 13,000 students across various grade levels. This educational network includes fourteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Covington, Georgia
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