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History
in a Pecan Shell
James J. Gathings was a Mississippian who arrived in Texas
in 1852 and bought thousands of acres of land in the region. Using
slaves, Gathings ran successful farm and ranching operations, setting
aside 100 acres for what would become the town of Covington. He platted
the town and offered free lots to temperate families as long as they
agreed to build a home and a school. The town was named after his
wife's maiden name.
In 1855 Gathings became postmaster of Covington and together with
his brother Philip, they founded Gathings College in the early 1860s.
By 1870 Gathings's population was nearing 500 and the school continued
in operation until 1885.
The town was in economic peril when it was bypassed by the Katy Railroad
in 1904 but saved when the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railroad built
through. Covington prospered for the next 30 years and the town's
prosperity was only ended by the onset of the Great Depression. The
Trinity and Brazos Valley discontinued the stop at Covington and war
time growth of Waco and Fort
Worth drained off population as highways improved. From a population
of 450 in 1945 it fell to less than 300 by the late 1980s. |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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