Founding of Covington
Covington, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana
Marker Inscription
Covington. John Wharton Collins donated land and founded Town of Wharton in March, 1813, named for his grandfather, John Wharton. Legislature changed name on March 11, 1816, to Covington, honoring Gen. Leonard Covington, 1812 War hero. Erected by the Louisiana Department of Commerce and Industry, 1957.
Erected by Louisiana Department of Commerce and Industry
The Story
John Wharton Collins founded the town of Wharton here in March 1813, naming it for his grandfather. Three years later the Louisiana legislature renamed it Covington in honor of General Leonard Covington, a hero of the War of 1812.
Why it matters
Its founding and renaming capture the frontier town-building of early statehood Louisiana, and the way War of 1812 heroes were woven into the map of a young nation.
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Related people
- ยท John Wharton Collins
- ยท Leonard Covington
Themes & tags
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