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Covington is situated where the Ohio and Licking Rivers converge.  Covington is part of the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky metropolitan area. Covington was named after Leonard Covington, an American officer who had trained troops in the area and was killed in the War of 1812.  First five streets running east to west were named for Kentucky's first five governors:  Shelby, Garrard, Greenup, Scott and Madison.  Covington was incorporated as a town in 1815.   

Covington at one time had an interesting mix of population.  At one time, the population comprised mostly of German immigrants, free blacks and slaves.  Revolutions in Europe during the mid 1800's influenced Germans in particular to immigrate to America and eventually settle in areas such as Covington.  A few gathering places where German nationals congregated were located on Main Street, near Sixth Street.  These places were known as "Mainstrasse and "Mutter Gottes Kirche", (Mother of God Church).   Today, Mainstrasse is a location for dining, pubs, bars, live music, and shopping.  Manufacturing such as cotton, rolling mill and nail factories were established along Scott Street near the riverfront, in the 1800’s.

Covington would become more important place for business with the construction of The Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge.  This bridge was built by John A. Roebling.  John Roebling is better known for constructing the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.  Inspiration for the Brooklyn Bridge came from his earlier project of The Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge.  Construction began in 1856.   The depression of 1857 and The Civil War, from 1861 to 1865 delayed completion  of this bridge.  On the first of January 1867, Covington-Cincinnati Bridge was officially opened, promoting further commerce between Ohio and Kentucky.    Depressions of 1873 and 1893 would delay the economic boom that was hoped when bridge opened up.  Covington would have to wait until the 20th Century to realize economic prosperity.  Bridge was originally designed for horse cars and pedestrians would later be redesigned in the late 1890's to accommodate electric streetcars and automobiles.

The early decades of the 20th Century were prosperous years for Covington. Especially the 1920's, downtown Covington was a main attraction with numerous restaurants, department stores, theaters, shops and offices.  At that time, Covington was known for it's beautiful churches.  St. Mary's Basilica Cathedral of the Assumption was dedicated in 1910.  Goebel and Devou Parks  were established adding more lustre to the city.  The early 1980's saw a re-investment into Covington by constructing a 100 foot Carroll Chimes Bell Tower with carillon and glockenspiel in Goebel Park.  Main Street and Sixth Street was renamed "Mainstrasse."  This area was returned to its German roots, in honor of it's early German immigrants that helped settle the area.  German village with restaurants, tavern and specialty shops were created for this area. 

Covington continues today to redevelop itself with improvements along the riverfront with hiking, and biking trails as well as a park and an upscale marina to serve local residents., the rehabilitation of historic structures with new businesses.  such as the Covington Wedding District, 400 block of Madison Avenue as well as development of public square and market in downtown Covington. 

Now you now; now go out and enjoy.

 

 

This article is sourced in part from Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covington,_Kentucky