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Covington, Kentucky
The early history of Covington is linked in many ways to the early history of Cincinnati. According to research done by noted Covington historian, Robert C. Dorsey; Daniel Boone, Simon Kenton and compatriots would camp in this area before crossing the Ohio River to raid Indian villages in Ohio.
Later, Christopher Gist, a friend of General George Washington was selected to explore the region. He is said to have chosen as his base, an area that now comprises Covington. Adventurous settlers were gradually drawn to both Cincinnati and Covington based upon the presence of expeditionary forces. This was seen as essential for protection from marauding Indians. Even so, Indian attacks still occured. Therefore, a military expedition was collected at the location of the present day General George Rogers Clark Park which then moved north to scatter the Indian threat.
Having routed the Indians, more settlers arrive. Thomas Kennedy staked out a farm and built a rather impressive, stone home- said to have been done in 1801. He is known to have established and operated a ferry between Cincinnati and Covington. Today, Thomas Kennedy is considered to be the founder of Covington.
As reported by Robert Dorsey, Kennedy sold 150 acres of land on the west side of the Licking River to Thomas Carneal and brothers John & Richard Gano. These men charted the town and named it for General Leonard Covington of Maryland, a celebrated hero of the War of 1812.
In an inspiring moment of vision, the men aligned the north south streets with streets across the river in Cincinnati, symbolically linking the two. The first five streets from the Licking River were named for the first five Governors of Kentucky; Shelby, Garrard, Greenup, Scott & Madison.
Population grew slowly until the influx of Germans that flooded into Cincinnati in the mid 1800’s, spilling over to Covington. Many settled in the area of Main Street near 6th Street. An area now referred to as MainStrasse Village in recognition of this historic immigration. This area hosts a number of annual events, such as; Maifest, Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, and the Original Goetta Festival.
Between 1830 and 1930, the population grew from 743 to 62,252. The great depression left a deep impact on the city and it never reached that high water population mark. The 2010 census pegged the population at 40,640. However, the city is in the midst of a major resurgence. Newly built residences such as Riverside Terrace, The Domaine de la Rive and The Ascent are leading the way. We are proud to say that we have participated in a wide variety of real estate transactions in each of these buildings, be it helping with the purchase, sale, or lease of residences.
Covington is much more than just the Riverfront! It's geograhically quite large and is comprised of many different neighborhoods. These include:
- Austinburg
- Botany Hills (formerly known as West Covington)
- Eastside
- Helentown (A National Register Historic District)
- Historic District
- Kenton Hills
- Latonia
- Levassor Park
- Lewisburg
- Licking Riverside
- Mainstrasse
- Monte Casino
- Mutter Gottes & Old Town
- Old Seminary Square
- Peaselburg
- South Covington
- Wallace Woods
- West Side
RESTAURANTS: There are literally hundreds of restaurants in Covington. Some of the most notable include: Mainstrasse Chez Nora, Otto's Mainstrasse, Behle Street, Dee Falice, South Beach Grill, Molly Malones, The Waterfront, Indigo Bar & Grill, and Bouquet Restaurant & Wine Bar. For an expanded list (with ratings) click here.
PARKS: Covington has one park that stands tall among all parks in the Greater Cincinnati area; Devou Park. This is 704 acres of beauty with awesome views of the Cincinnati city skyline, 18 hole golf course, a fishing lake, band shell, the Behringer-Crawford Museum, and Drees Pavilion, a fantastic venue for large party events. In addition, Covington is moving forward with the Licking River Greenway & Trail. This will be a hiking & biking trail that will hug the Licking River from I-275 to the Ohio River, where it will link up with the walkway along the Ohio River.
Click here to view the complete master plan for the Licking River Greenway.
SIGHTS: Covington is home to the world renowned Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Visitors are drawn to view the light streaming into the church through the amazing stained glass Rose Windows, one of which is the largest in the world– measuring 67 feet tall by 24 feet wide. The exterior was inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. However, the interior was modeled after the ethereal & sublime Basilica of St. Denis. The interior also features murals done by Frank Duveneck, prominent artist and Covington native.
ENTERTAINMENT: Part of Covington's resurgence is the wonderful music venues that have been created. Examples include the magnificent Carnegie Visual Arts & Performing Arts Center and the Madison Theater; now attracting nationally known performers. Covington's progress continues to surge with projects such as the Public Market, Public Square, (between Fourth and Fifth streets). The future appears very bright for this historic community.
NOTABLE: It was Covington native Daniel Carter Beard who founded the Sons of Daniel Boone which was merged with the Boy Scouts of America. (An interesting anecdote regarding this favorite son is that he illustrated a number of books for Mark Twain.) Beard later helped to organize the Camp Fire Girls club. A life sized sculpture of Daniel Beard is located on East Third Street.
Top 10 Employers:
- St Elizabeth Healthcare –---------------- 6,300
- Fidelity Investments –------------------- 3,900
- Covington Independent Schools –--------- 925
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington ----– 800
- AC Nielsen –----------------------------- 400
- State of Kentucky –---------------------- 360
- Omnicare Pharmaceutical Care for Seniors - 325
- Club Chef Fresh Cut Produce –------------ 300
- NorthKey Community Care --------------- 280
- Atkins & Pearce Braid & Fiber Solutions --– 225
There is a great deal of school choice in Covington.
The public school system is the - Covington Independent School District. <-click link to see all public schools in this district.
Private Elementary schools include:
- Calvary Christian –----------- PK through 12 - (Baptist)
- Holy Family –---------------- K through 8 --- (Catholic)
- Prince of Peace Montessori -- K through 8 --– (Catholic)
- Saint Agnes –--------------- K through 8 –-- (Catholic)
- Saint Anthony -------------– K through 8 --- (Catholic)
- Saint Augustine -----------– K through 8 ---– (Catholic)
Private High schools include:
- Covington Catholic –------ 9 through 12 -- (Boys only Catholic)
- Covington Latin –--------- 8 through 12 -- (Catholic Co-Ed College Preparatory)
- Notre Dame Academy ---– 9 through 12 –- (Girls only Catholic)
If you are considering buying or selling real estate in Northern Kentucky, please give us a call. We have an extensive record of achievement in Covington - as well as Newport, Bellevue, Ludlow, Park Hills, Fort Thomas, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Highland Heights and Southgate.
-- Call us at 513.321.6000
Homes for sale in Covington Kentucky.
Condominiums for sale in Covington Kentucky.
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