Visitors Guide to Covington, Tennessee
"The Heart of Tipton County"

Covington was established as Tipton County’s seat of government in December, 1824 a little over a year after Tipton County was established. The community was named in honor of Brigadier General Leonard W. Covington, a native of Maryland and hero of the War of 1812 who was mortally wounded in the Battle of Crysler's Farm in November of 1813 near Cornwall, Ontario. The town site was soon surveyed with seven streets and 106 lots being laid out. The lots were soon sold and the proceeds were used to construct the County Court House. The first Court House, a framed two story structure that was completed in July of 1825. The Town of Covington was incorporated in 1826 by an Act of the Tennessee General Assembly. Covington prior to the Civil War saw little growth. The communities of Randolph and later Portersville were the bustling commercial centers of Tipton County. Covington was largely a sleepy community that only came alive during the times when the courts were in session.

Covington and Tipton County was pro-Union up to the hostilities commenced at Fort Sumter in April 1861. Overnight the town espoused the ideas of the Secession movement. Immediately thereafter in May of 1861, the young men of Covington and the surrounding area formed "the Tipton Rifles". This was the first military unit to be formed in the county to fight for the Confederacy. Later in February 1862, former County Sheriff, Henry J. Maley, raised Company C of the 1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery in Covington. Both of these units saw action in some of the worst battles of the war. Life in Covington during the War was largely quiet. The populace suffered from the usual deprivations caused by the war but did not suffer as much from the damage to or loss of property. Following the fall of the region to Union forces in 1862, Covington was only occupied for short periods of time.

After the end of the war, Covington's economy quickly recovered. Prior to the war, plans had been made to construct a railroad through Covington In the late 1860s these plans were revived. The anticipation caused by the coming of the railroad provided the incentive that local citizens needed to invest in the future of Covington. In 1873, the first section of the Memphis and Paducah Railroad between Memphis and Covington was completed and provided significant impetus the town's economy. Soon the railroad would not only bring expanded trade and new retail establishments to Covington but it would also provided a boost in its population. By this time Covington had become the commercial hub of the county. During the 1890s decade tremendous changes were being made in the infrastructure of the town. This period marked the construction of the current Tipton County Court House, the establishment of the Covington City School System, the development of the first electrical system and water system by private investors, and the establishment of a municipal volunteer fire department. Population growth brought construction of new homes and businesses. Many of these structures are still standing today, reflecting this period of unprecedented growth and prosperity at the turn of the century.

Today’s visitors to Covington can drive down Main and Maple Streets of the South Main Historic District and view the old homes and brick walks. The century-old Courthouse with its unique Confederate Monument is located in this area. The tree-shaded streets are especially delightful during autumn. Tipton’s history can be explored at the Tipton County Museum which also features a Veterans Memorial and Nature Center. A delightful combination of shopping, dining and recreational activities can be found in the gracious, hospitable, and historic setting of Covington.

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