Covington, Georgia

Covington is a city and the county seat of Newton County, Georgia. It is located 35 miles southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. As of 2012, its population was 13,347.

History

Covington was founded and incorporated in 1822 as the seat of the newly formed Newton County. Covington was named for United States Army Brigadier General and United States Congressman Leonard Covington, a hero of the War of 1812. The city grew with the advent of the railroad in 1845.

In 1864, General Sherman's troops marched through during their March to the Sea. Although the city was looted, several antebellum homes were spared.

Historic districts

The city of Covington encompasses the Covington Historic District and the North Covington Historic District, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The maps and materials describing these two districts are available for review through City Hall. The Covington Historic District contains Floyd Street and the downtown square. The North Covington Historic District contains North Emory Street and Odum Street as its hub. Both districts have an ordinance that regulates changes made to their properties, and special permits may be required.