Flat Stanley visited Covington last year, and he stopped at the trailhead to take a picture with Reagan. This statue is believed to be the largest statue of Ronald Reagan in the world. The bronze statue, sculpted by local artist Patrick Miller, stands nearly 15 feet tall on its base. The section of Hwy. 190 that runs between Collins Blvd. and Covington High is designated as Ronald Reagan Highway. The former president has never visited Covington; the only U.S. President to visit Covington was George W. Bush, who visited after Katrina to help with rebuilding efforts (see the photo in The Farmer’s Covington Scrapbook).
Bogue Falaya Wayside Park
On August 11, 1908, Dr. George R. Tolson sold the 13 acres that make up the Bogue Falaya Park to the town of Covington. The park is host to many great Covington events like Swing in the Pines, Chef Soiree and of course the long-awaited Bicentennial Celebration!
General Leonard Covington
The City of Covington is named after General Leonard Covington, Brigadier General of the U.S. Light Dragoons. He was stationed in Baton Rouge and West Florida in 1810, and died in battle leading his men at Chrysler’s Field, 1813. His last words were “Independence Forever”.
Ox carts line Columbia Street near the turn of the century. People travelled for miles around to Columbia Street Landing for supplies from New Orleans and beyond.
