Covington County

History of Covington County, Alabama

The Creek Indians wee the first known inhabitants of the area.  Ponce de Leon  came into the area in search of the Fountain of Youth.  He and Desota, another explorer and their men are believed to have left the Spanish Influence that is so prevalent in the names and architecture found in the area.  Covington was made a county in 1821 and was named for Brigadier General L. W. Covington, a native of Maryland, who was killed in Canada during the War of 1812.. 

The first settlers came to the area around 1816 and settled in Green Bay, which is know now as  south of Onycha.  Other settlements were in  the Rose Hill area, and on  the Conecuh River at River Falls where the settlement became Montezuma and later Andalusia.  There was river traffic between Montezuma and Pensacola, Fl. It is told that  River Falls got its  named because that is where the river dropped off and boats and barges couldn’t go any further up the river.

The first land sold by the U.S. Government was near the community of Heath. Covington County has an area of 1,034 square miles and is the 9th largest county in the state.  The population is approx 35,000.  The County is comprised of the towns of Andalusia, Opp, and Florala with 10 other incorporated towns:  Red Level, River Falls, Carolina, Libertyville, Sanford, Heath, Gantt, Lockhart, Onycha, and Babbie.

Schools

Covington County School

Covington County Attractions

Conecuh National Forest is located in the coastal plains that border Florida.  The 84,000-acre forest contains longleaf pines, Dogwoods, scrub oaks, swamps, cypress ponds, and creeks.  Forest enthusiasts can enjoy diverse plants, and animals that are dependent on this special fire-maintained ecosystem such as the cockaded-woodpeckers, Gopher Tortoises, Dusky Ghopher Frogs, bogs that contain carnivorous pitcher plants, and many wildflowers.  The forest support Whitetailed Deer, Wild Turkeys, squirrels, American Alligators, and many species of snakes.

The Conecuh Forest also provides ponds and creeks for enjoying nature.  Blue Pond is a natural sinkhole that is known for its clear blue water. Other areas of interest in the forest include Conecuh Trail, Open Pond, Natural Spring, Mossy Pond, Nellie Pond Gum Pond, and Camp Creek.

Frank Jackson Lake in Opp is a State owned fishing Lake and has camping facilities and park.
   
Lake Jackson in Florala is half in Alabama and half in Florida on the Alabama/Florida State Line, which offers all water sports and campgrounds. 

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