Newton-Rockdale County GaArchives History .....Brief History Of Covington And Newton County 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jeanne W Baldwin newbobo3820@gmail.com  February 13, 2011, 7:47 am

Return to SHELLY PAYNE SR DOWNS  The History of Covington and Newton 
County1821-Present , 35 miles East of Atlanta, GA on Interstate 20 

The History of Covington and Newton County
  
Newton County was created by the Georgia General Assembly on December 24, 
1821. Georgia's 53rd county was named for Revolutionary War hero Sergeant John 
Newton and formed from parts of Henry, Jasper, and Walton Counties. The Creek 
Indians roamed the land until 1813 when Governor Thorp negotiated a treaty in 
which the Creeks gave up their claim to the land.   A decade later the last of 
the Creek Indians were banished to Oklahoma over the "Trail of Tears." 

  
The first white settlers located in Eastern Newton County in a town then-named 
Winton. "The Brick Store" was built in 1822 and still stands today. Lack of 
adequate water caused the settlers to move further west and establish 
Newtonsboro.  The name was later changed to Covington after General Leonard 
Covington, a hero in the war of 1812.  In 1853 Covington was incorporated as a 
City.

  
The coming of the railroad in 1845 was the beginning of the growth and 
stability of Newton County.  Newton County's extensive agricultural base 
produced related industries, like textile mills, as early as the 1840's. After 
1900, textiles became a major industry in the area serving the farmers of the 
surrounding counties.  

  
General William Tecumseh Sherman took many treasures from Southerners and 
Georgians.  His army marched a path of death, fire and destruction from 
Savannah northward.  Thankfully, Covington was spared the harsh punishment of 
war.  Many original antebellum homes and buildings still stand blended with 
modern buildings. Together they present an excellent comparison of the past 
and present.

 

NEWTON COUNTY TODAY 

Coving ton, the county seat of Newton County, is located just 35 miles East of 
Atlanta on Interstate 20.  Excellent connections exist via I-285 which 
connects with I-75, I-85 and Georgia 400.  Hartfield International Airport is 
about 45 minutes driving time. Area 271 square miles.

Covington has been known as the Hollywood of the South due to the number of 
movies and television shows filmed there. "In the Heat of the Night", a long 
running television show, spent its eight years in Covington while 
filming. "The Dukes of Hazards" was another prime time show that began its 
television series in the county.   

(adapted from Newton County Chamber of Commerce) 

  
NOTE: Researchers might also check the archived Rockdale County GenWeb page. 
Rockdale County was formed from a portion of Newton County, and its County 
Seat Conyers was located inside Newton County.



Additional Comments:
Adapted from Newton County Chamber of Commerce website.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/newton/history/other/briefhis777gms.txt

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