National Register Listing

Covington County Courthouse

Dogwood Ave., Collins, MS
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
Mississippi is also known for its literary history. Several Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams, hailed from the state.
Mississippi random facts
Covington County, Mississippi, is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to its early settlement by European colonizers. In the early 19th century, the area was part of the Mississippi Territory and was home to Native American tribes, such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw.

The county was officially established in 1819 and named after War of 1812 General Leonard Covington. The early years of the county's history were marked by the establishment of small agricultural communities and the growth of the timber industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century facilitated the transportation of goods and people, stimulating further development.

During the Civil War, Covington County, like much of Mississippi, was heavily impacted by the conflict. Many local men joined the Confederate Army, and the county experienced economic hardships as a result of the war. However, the county rebounded in the post-war years, with the timber industry booming and new businesses emerging.

Throughout the 20th century, Covington County continued to evolve. The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic challenges, but the construction of U.S. Highway 49 in the 1940s provided new opportunities for growth. The county's agriculture, timber, and manufacturing industries flourished, contributing to its economic prosperity.

Today, Covington County retains its rural character while embracing modern advancements. It continues to be known for its agriculture, timber, and manufacturing sectors, as well as its natural beauty, including rivers and forests. The county is also home to several historical landmarks and is proud of its heritage, treasuring the past while moving towards a promising future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Covington County, Mississippi.

  • 1819 - Covington County established as one of the original counties in the state of Mississippi.
  • 1823 - The county seat, Collins, is founded and named in honor of Frederick Collins.
  • 1833 - The first post office is established in Collins.
  • 1861-1865 - Covington County, like many others, is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • Late 1800s - The timber industry becomes a major economic driver in Covington County.
  • 1906 - A significant fire destroys most of the buildings in Collins.
  • 1916 - The first paved road is built in Covington County.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the area.
  • 1940-1945 - Many residents of Covington County serve in World War II.
  • 1954 - The construction of Okatoma Creek Dam creates Okatoma Lake, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 1980s - Covington County experiences population growth and economic diversification.
  • 1997 - Hurricane Georges causes significant damage to the county.
  • Present - Covington County continues to thrive as an agricultural and industrial hub in Mississippi.