Covington Home

Covington Mansion 1940s

Happy Cotton Days everyone! This, of course is the week that we celebrate our heritage in Washington City. Over 150 years ago, the city of Washington was founded. What a great week this will be, to honor our heritage, marvel at how far we have come, and ponder upon our future. I hope you will all take advantage of the events of this week. For a complete list of events please look at the schedule located at
www.cottondays.org.

There is probably not a better week to formally announce the acquisition, by the city, of the historic Robert Covington Home. This home, located at approximately 200 North and 200 East, is the oldest home in Washington County and is a historic landmark to our city.

Robert Dockery Covington was called by Brigham Young to lead one of two parties to southwest Utah to investigate the ability to grow Cotton. Their arrival in April of 1857 marked the beginning of the Cotton Mission and the establishment of Washington City. The stories of these early settlers is both frustrating and inspiring as they scratched out their existence in this hot desert climate. In 1859, the Covington Mansion was built and became not only the home for Robert’s family but the first social center for the community. In the upper floor of this house was held political activities, dances, social events and church meetings. This residence became the heart and soul of this early community. (for more information on this home go to http://www.wchsutah.org/homes/covington-mansion.php)

After being on the market for some time and having suffered the fate of a down economy, Washington City was able to purchase this home at a foreclosure sale. We are very excited to bring this true gem of a site into the protective hands of the community. Over the course of the next few years we will restore this beautiful residence and open it up to our citizens. In the meantime, feel free to drive by, stop and walk the
grounds. As you stand under those majestic pecan trees and look at that stately mansion, you will be filled with a strong spirit of our history and pride in the community we have become.

Covington Home 2012