Covington in Newton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Capture of Covington

Photographed By David Seibert, January 13, 2008

1. The Capture of Covington Marker

Inscription. On July 22, 1864, Union Cavalry from Wilder's and Minty's Brigades, armed with Spencer repeating rifles, entered Covington under orders of General Kenner Garrard. As the Battle of Atlanta raged to the west, Covington was unprotected by Confederate troops. Covington citizen Presley Jones fired at the soldiers and was shot for killing two Union men. Troops also executed George Daniel, a furloughed Confederate soldier suspected of resistance. The Federal cavalrymen then destroyed or took with them anything useful to the Confederate war effort before riding on to Oxford.

Erected 2002 by The Georgia Historical Society, Main Street Covington, Management Services Network, and the Newton County Historical Society. (Marker Number 107-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1862.

Location. 33° 35.772′ N, 83° 51.744′ W. Marker is in Covington, Georgia, in Newton County. Marker is on Washington Street (Georgia Route 81) 0.1 miles east of Lee Street SW, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located in front of the Covington Chamber of Commerce. Touch for map. Marker is at

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

or near this postal address: 2100 Washington Street SW, Covington GA 30015, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ramsey's Furniture (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Swann Building (about 700 feet away); Covington Square (about 700 feet away); Newton County War Memorial (about 700 feet away); To The Confederate Dead of Newton County (about 800 feet away); Lucius Q. C. Lamar (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newton County Jail House (approx. ¼ mile away); Swanscombe (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Covington.

The Capture of Covington marker next to the Covington-Newton County Visitors Bureau. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 24, 2018

2. The Capture of Covington marker next to the Covington-Newton County Visitors Bureau.

Looking east from marker on Washington Street. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 24, 2018

3. Looking east from marker on Washington Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,789 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3. submitted on January 24, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.