Historical Markers and War Memorials in Covington, Kentucky
Independence and Covington are both the county seat for Kenton County
Covington is in Kenton County
Kenton County(106) ► ADJACENT TO KENTON COUNTY Boone County(55) ► Campbell County(49) ► Grant County(6) ► Pendleton County(8) ► Hamilton County, Ohio(345) ►
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Covington native Benjamin F. Howard (1860-1918) was co-founder, with Arthur J. Riggs of Shelbyville of the first national African American Elks organization, called Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. Chartered in Ohio, 1899; . . . — — Map (db m174664) HM
Native tribes settled in Northern Kentucky over 12,000 years ago. Banklick Creek and nearby hills were home to deer, bears, and other animals for hunting. The people gathered wild plants & lived in family groups. By the 12th century, tribes lived in . . . — — Map (db m217742) HM
If liturgy is the lifeblood of Mother of God parish, then music is the air it breathes, lifting us beyond our individual experience and melding us into a faithful family on fire with the Good News of Christ.
Since the mid-nineteenth century . . . — — Map (db m201122) HM
Named in memory of James G. Arnold,
Teacher, Benefactor, Man of God, who:
Organized the First Christian Church
in Covington about 1830;
Re-organizd it after it was dispersed
by an epidemic of cholera in 1833;
Built a house of worship on . . . — — Map (db m135364) HM
In 1844 Seneca Austin purchased a sizeable tract of land along the Licking River for $3732.
Illustrated here is the original plat plan of his farm.
The map shows groves of locust for timber, formal garden around his stately home, and . . . — — Map (db m201109) HM
Born in Covington and inspired by the Ohio River, he became famed chronicler of life and people along America's rivers and in Kentucky's mountains. His 22 novels, fables, and works of nonfiction were widely translated. Burman's Steamboat Round . . . — — Map (db m98208) HM
Mary Greene was born the daughter of a country storekeeper. When she
married Captain Gordon C. Greene, she left the land to make her life and
raise her family on the rivers of America. Captain Mary one of the few
women to become a licensed boat . . . — — Map (db m78667) HM
Built by Thomas Carneal, a founder
of Covington, on land purchased
in 1814 from Thomas Kennedy.
First brick house in the city.
Georgian in concept, style reveals
the influence of the great Italian
architect Andrea Palladio. In 1825
Lafayette . . . — — Map (db m78041) HM
This great Miami war chief fought to
protect the Indian hunting grounds of
Kentucky and the villages of
southern Ohio from the onrush of
American settlers. Little Turtle twice
led a confederation of Miami,
Shawnee and Delaware Indians . . . — — Map (db m78182) HM
(Side 1): Reports of Kirby Smith's CSA troops approaching Cincinnati caused panic in September 1862. Gen. Lew Wallace led Union troops and volunteers from rural Ohio (known as "Squirrel Hunters")across Ohio River on a hastily constructed . . . — — Map (db m58144) HM
This two-story frame house was built in 1839 by John W. Clayton. The original exterior is of shingle siding, though the house has been subject to alterations in both 19th and 20th centuries. During the Civil War, Clayton's daughter, Mary C. Bullock, . . . — — Map (db m171938) HM
The Catholic Church is more than bricks and mortar; it is the people who, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, bring her mission to life.
But the structure you see before you is a tangible expression of the deeply rooted faith of the German . . . — — Map (db m201120) HM
In 1834, Ky. chartered Covington & Lexington Turnpike Road Co. to build artificial road. Macadamized turnpike finished in early 1850s. Was important in moving farm goods from the Bluegrass, notably hogs and cattle to Covington and Cincinnati, then . . . — — Map (db m172560) HM
Joined the Federal League in 1913. Home games were played at Federal Park at Second and Scott Streets. Defeated St. Louis in the home opener 4-0 on May 9, 1913. Sam Leever was the team's manager. Covington native Adolph Thoss played right field. . . . — — Map (db m98127) HM
“He’ll live wherever boyhood pitches tent beside a stream and fire is made by friction and coffee needs no cream.”
Edgar A. Guest
Daniel Carter Beard spent much of his youth in the
house behind this statue. He played in . . . — — Map (db m78103) HM
Boyhood home of "Uncle Dan," youth leader, outdoorsman, artist and author. Born in Cincinnati and later came to Covington to live. Inaugurated Boy Scout movement in America, 1905, and was one of first National Commissioners of the Boy Scouts of . . . — — Map (db m174736) HM
Humanitarian who stood on this corner
in snow sleet, rain and zero temperature
collecting monies to help the
unfortunate blind of this community
for 30 years. — — Map (db m135401) HM
Born in Missouri, Randolph earned a medical degree from Meharry College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1917. He moved to Covington in 1922 and opened an office on Greenup St., where he practiced for 59 years. He was the first African American physician at . . . — — Map (db m174665) HM
1911 birthplace of Durward Kirby. Spent childhood days on Greenup St. Attended St. Benedict School. Moved to nearby Ft. Thomas during adolescence. Later became nationally known broadcaster. Started at WLW radio where he reported news about 1937 . . . — — Map (db m201110) HM
Covington's first permanent city hall erected on this site in 1843: one of first in entire Ohio Valley. During Republican State Convention in 1860, fiery emancipationist Cassius M. Clay spoke here. Almost eighty years later, on June 3, 1938 (in . . . — — Map (db m101812) HM
Congregation first used public school house, ca. 1805. The first building was erected, 1832, on Garrard St., then replaced by one on Scott St., 1843. Church split over slavery, 1846. M.E. Church South remained on Scott St,; Union M.E. group located . . . — — Map (db m101808) HM
City was home to internationally
known artist. Early artistic work
was painting and carving altars for
Catholic churches. At age 21, he
went to Munich to study; in 1878,
founded art school there. Married
Elizabeth Boott, also an . . . — — Map (db m171923) HM
This 100-foot tower was built in 1979, and
is a recreation of a European Style
Glockenspiel Clock Tower. Funded by the
state of Kentucky, it was built as the
anchor attraction for our German
storybook inspired neighborhood
redevelopment . . . — — Map (db m181035) HM
Organized as a Reformed Church and German language day school. Cornerstone laid July 13, 1862. Victorian Gothic church second oldest in Covington still used by founding congregation. Dedicated Palm Sunday, 1863. Construction interrupted when this . . . — — Map (db m174600) HM
From 1859 to 1873 this was the home of Jesse Root and Hannah (Simpson) Grant, parents of General Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States. Jesse served as the Postmaster of Covington from 1866 to 1872. Gen. Grant's sister, Mary, . . . — — Map (db m174671) HM
Plaque #1
(APA logo)
the American Planning Association,
through Great Places in America,
designates
Historical Licking Riverside
Neighborhood
Covington, Kentucky
as a Great Neighborhood
2013
Plaque #2
Seven historic . . . — — Map (db m78756) HM
The composer of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" was a native of Covington. He attended local school, became a printer, and later employed by Cincinnati Times-Star and N.Y. Times. Gillespie's songs carried Americans through Great Depression and World . . . — — Map (db m181033) HM
World-renowned artist Henry Farny lived and painted in his studio at 1029-1031 Banklick Street from 1890 to 1907. Look over your right shoulder to the southwest at the frame duplex with a picket fence at 1029 Banklick. That building now occupies the . . . — — Map (db m187389) HM
Holmes High School
This is one of Kentucky's earliest tax-supported, coeducational, public high schools. It was founded as Covington High School in 1853, at Scott and 1lth Sts. Present name adopted when moved to this site. Campus is former . . . — — Map (db m174635) HM
This parish, established 1890, spurred the growth of Latonia community. Benedictine Sisters came here to teach in 1891. Original two-story church and school on west side of Longworth, now Church St. Present church was completed, 1908, under Fr. . . . — — Map (db m174644) HM
This prominent black businessman
owned and operated a lumberyard
at 426-428 Madison Avenue. As a
Baptist minister, Price was major
figure in development of city's
black churches. He was also a
leader in obtaining free public
education for . . . — — Map (db m174669) HM
The life of this one man summarizes the experiences of millions of
Afro-Americans. Born in Africa in the early Nineteenth Century, slave traders
brought Bradley to America as an infant. By the time he was 18 years old,
Bradley managed his . . . — — Map (db m135910) HM
John A Roebling (1806-1869), pioneer civil engineer, was the designer and builder of the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge which was completed in 1866. It served as the prototype for Roebling’s design of the Brooklyn Bridge, which was complete . . . — — Map (db m55563) HM
Home of John Griffin Carlisle, born Kenton County 1835, died New York City 1910. U. S. Representative 1877-90, Speaker 1883-89; Senator 1890-93, Secretary of the Treasury 1893-97. Buried Linden Grove Cemetery, Covington. — — Map (db m174602) HM
“Nature must be seen first alive, and well studied,
before attempts are made at representing her.”
Best known as a painter of birds and most
notably for his series called the Birds
of America. Audubon came to the . . . — — Map (db m78177) HM
Scene of early political career, 1847-65. From this home and office base, Stevenson represented Kenton County in legislature and 1849 Constitutional Convention and served in U. S. House. He became It. governor, 1867, and governor upon Helm's death. . . . — — Map (db m174710) HM
(artwork)
Built in the year 1791 by Thomas Kennedy
one of the first settlers at the confluence
of the Licking and Ohio Rivers. He operated
the first ferry crossing the Ohio and his
house was a stopping place for travelers
journeying . . . — — Map (db m78998) HM
This track, l883-1939, known as one of world's foremost race tracks; two yearly meets, spring-summer and late fall. Leonatus won Hindoo Stakes, 1883. Greatest attraction was Latonia Derby, 1½ mile event. Winners included Broadway Jones, Gallant . . . — — Map (db m174659) HM
Founded in 1843 on land owned by the Western Baptist Theological Institute, this is the final resting place of American veterans since the War of 1812. In 1997, the GAR and veteran's monuments were placed on the National Register of Historic . . . — — Map (db m172003) HM
Brothers John (1896-1968) and Joe (1900-1970) Heving of Covington made it to the big leagues. John began major league career, 1920, as catcher, while Joe made his debut, 1930, as pitcher. Several teams benefited during their careers of 8 and 13 . . . — — Map (db m98035) HM
Community leader and author Mary Florence Taney, born in Campbell Co. in 1856 lived here. She wrote Kentucky Pioneer Women and the lyrics for the "Kentucky State Song." Taney served as state's first female Notary Public. After her death in . . . — — Map (db m174737) HM
Mother of God Church. Full title: The Annunciation of the Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Organized 1841 by Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Kuhr. Mother church of German parishes and second parish in Covington. First church built 1842. One-story brick . . . — — Map (db m135712) HM
In 1967 George Dreyer, Ben Baker and Luella LeVee formed the League to promote the arts,
heritage and culture of Northern Kentucky. Projects included the Duveneck display at the Covington Library, cataloging landmarks and original homes, a walking . . . — — Map (db m174712) HM
Catholic converts Henrietta Cleveland and Sarah Peter, with Bishop George Carrell, founded St. Elizabeth Hospital on this site in Jan. 1861. The Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis converted a vacant grocery store to serve those in need, including . . . — — Map (db m171959) HM
Richard Collins became
famous
for his authoritative “History of
Kentucky”. Continued the work of
his father, Lewis Collins, who in
1847 published a history of the
state. Born in Maysville in 1824,
Richard became a newspaper . . . — — Map (db m171957) HM
Designed and built by Onerias Powell, this house stood on the largest settled estate of its time. Since then the home has been the residence of General John W. Finnell, Councilman Joseph Jonas, and dignitaries of the Northern Kentucky area. The . . . — — Map (db m187387) HM
Named for Henry Ritte's saloon at five-corner intersection, this area has been hub of Latonia commerce since 1880s, when original Latonia racetrack (1883-1939), one block away, started. The opening of a section of Covington and Lexington R. R. in . . . — — Map (db m174650) HM
Robert L. Surtees. 1906-1985. This famous cinematographer won three Academy Awards during a 54-year career in the motion picture business. Surtees, a Covington native, distinguished himself as a specialist in color photography. He won Academy . . . — — Map (db m98036) HM
First bridge to span Ohio River,
connecting Kentucky and Ohio. John
Augustus Roebling engineer, Amos
Shinkle, president of Covington-
Cincinnati Bridge Co. The formal
opening of this bridge celebrated,
Jan. 1, 1867. A prototype for . . . — — Map (db m78978) HM
Sandford House
Built in early 1800s by Major Alfred Sandford. Land originally owned by his father, Gen. Thomas Sandford, who was first member of Congress from Northern Ky. In 1835 house purchased by the Western Baptist Theological Institute . . . — — Map (db m174604) HM
Senator Richard P. Ernst
Born in Covington, Ernst was a lawyer, banker, philanthropist, & women's-rights proponent. Leader of the Covington YMCA for 42 years, he was a member of the Kenton Co. Bar Assoc. & Industrial Club. U. S. Senator, . . . — — Map (db m174679) HM
[Front]
To the citizens of Covington:
in honor of their fallen brother and all
American veterans of the Korean War
who devoted themselves and their lives
to our nation's freedom
Eva G. & Oakley B. Farris
[Left side] . . . — — Map (db m174610) WM
Simon Kenton
April 13, 1755 – April 29, 1836
Simon Kenton, for whom Kenton
County is named, stands with
Daniel Boone and George Rogers
Clark as a leading figure in the
opening of the West. Kenton entered
Kentucky in 1771 as a longhunter . . . — — Map (db m78628) HM
(DAR emblem)
Erected to the memory of
Simon Kenton
May 15, 1755 – April 1836
Pioneer and Patriot
by Elizabeth Kenton Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution — — Map (db m241660) HM
SLAVE ESCAPE
On a snowy night in January 1856,
seventeen slaves fled, at foot of
Main Street, across frozen Ohio
River. Margaret Garner was in this
group. When arrested in Ohio, she
killed little daughter rather than
see her returned to . . . — — Map (db m130077) HM
Sons of Union Veterans
of the Civil War
Department of Kentucky
Nelson-Garfield Memorial
Camp #3
dedicated
this 29th of May 2000
to the cherished memory of
the loved and lost, who have
laid so costly a sacrifice
upon the altar . . . — — Map (db m174614) WM
"You triumphed over obstacles
which would have overcome men
less brave and determined."
— President McKinley
Erected in honor of
the veterans of the Spanish-American War
by
Grafton W. Reed Aux. No. 9 — U. S. W. V. . . . — — Map (db m174607) WM
Side A
St. John the Evangelist Church
In 1848- 49 German- Catholics of
Mother of God Church, Lewisburg,
founded Stes. Peter and Paul
School. In 1854, St. John Parish
was created. Fr. Wm. Robbers
(pastor 1879- 1903) was . . . — — Map (db m78036) HM
According to legend, the town of Hamelin, Germany was once
infested with rats. In desperation, the townspeople agreed to pay
a piper to rid it of the vermin. He accomplished the task
with the aid of his pipe, but the people refused to pay. . . . — — Map (db m146238) HM
Side A
The Point
Confluence of Ohio and Licking
Rivers. Christopher Gist, Agent
of the Ohio Company, was first
white man known to have set foot
on Point, 1751. The Lieutenant of
Kentucky Co., Va., Col. John Bowman,
led . . . — — Map (db m78212) HM
Parish organized, Nov. 24, 1842. Cornerstone of first church laid June 24, 1843. Gothic windows of the church sanctuary dedicated vestryman John W. Stevenson, governor and U.S. senator. Bishop Benjamin B. Smith consecrated the building in 1860. Bell . . . — — Map (db m172555) HM
This Covington native won a Tony
Award in 1956 for performance in
Broadway's "The Ponder Heart” and
received an Oscar nomination, 1962,
for "Summer and Smoke.” With her 66
motion pictures, Merkel (1903-1986)
represented successful . . . — — Map (db m130336) HM
In memory of the veterans
of the War Between the States
1861 — 1865
by
Norman-Barnes Post No. 70
the American Legion
Dedicated May 30, 1933 — — Map (db m174615) WM
Goebel began his legal career in this building and advanced through ties to notable leaders. Born in Pa. in 1856, Goebel rose from poverty. Elected to state senate in 1887, he served as president pro-tem of that body, 1894-1900. In the 1890-91 . . . — — Map (db m171929) HM
William L. Grant
Wm. Grant (1820-82), Covington city clerk, councilman, and state rep., supported public education for black children. He deeded land on Seventh Street for elementary school, which opened 1880; renamed Lincoln School 1909. A . . . — — Map (db m174668) HM
