Covington, Virginia

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Covington,_Va_-_War_Memorials

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Covington,_Va_-_Civil_War_Memorial

Covington, Virginia
City
Country	United States
State	Virginia
County	Alleghany
Population  (2020)
• Total	5,737
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	24426
Area code(s)	540
FIPS code	51-19760
GNIS feature ID	1498477

Covington is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,737. It is surrounded by Alleghany County, of which it is also the county seat, despite being politically independent of it. Covington is one of the smallest cities in Virginia by population.

History

Covington was named in honor of General Leonard Covington, a hero of the War of 1812. The city was officially incorporated in 1902. The area has a rich history, with early European settlers arriving in the mid-18th century. The city developed rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to the establishment of the Westvaco paper mill, which remains a significant employer in the region.

Geography

Covington is located at the confluence of the Jackson River and Dunlap Creek. The city is situated in the Allegheny Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding area is characterized by its rugged terrain and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Economy

The economy of Covington has historically been dominated by the paper manufacturing industry, with the WestRock paper mill being the largest employer. Other significant sectors include healthcare, retail, and education. The city has been working to diversify its economy in recent years, with efforts to attract new businesses and promote tourism.

Education

Covington is served by the Covington City Public Schools system, which includes Covington High School, Jeter-Watson Intermediate School, and Edgemont Primary School. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge.

Transportation

Covington is accessible via Interstate 64, which runs east-west through the city. Other major roads include U.S. Route 60 and U.S. Route 220. The city is also served by the Amtrak station in nearby Clifton Forge, providing rail connections to other parts of the country.

Notable People

• George M. Cochran, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia
• Frank S. Tavenner Jr., chief counsel to the House Un-American Activities Committee

See Also

• Alleghany County, Virginia
• Jackson River (Virginia)
• WestRock
• Interstate 64 in Virginia
• Dabney S. Lancaster Community College