This virtual tour is presented by The Historic Licking Riverside Civic Association (HLRCA) - an all-volunteer membership organization that works to preserve and restore this unique historic neighborhood, and to improve the quality of life for residents, property owners, business owners, and all visitors to the area.
Early History of “The Point”
This area of land at the junction of the Ohio and Licking Rivers was referred by pioneers as “The Point.”
The Point was used by Native Americans primarily as a hunting ground, gathering place, and look out.
In 1780, the first deed in the area was issued to a veteran of the French and Indian Wars, George Muse.
The deed allotted him 200 acres of land at the junction of the Ohio and Licking River as a gift for his military service from King George III of Great Britain, the last King of the American Colonies.
The land went through several other owners before settling with Thomas Kennedy in 1791.
In 1815, this area was recognized as Covington. The Point is now Covington’s last remaining historical riverfront neighborhood.
Thomas Kennedy is believed to have built the first settlement in the area and he is often referred to as the founder of Covington.
He also ran the ferry.
Other farms were soon developed in the area, which became known as Kennedy’s Ferry
In 1909 Thomas Kennedy’s stone home was demolished. The land where that home stood became the George Rogers Clark Park that you see today.
A monument with bronze plaque was erected to note the location of Thomas Kennedy’s home which also operated as a Tavern.
The bronze plaque reads “Site of the Kennedy House Built in the year 1791 by Thomas Kennedy, one of the first settlers at the confluence of the Licking and Ohio Rivers.”
He operated the first ferry crossing the Ohio River and his house was a stopping place for travelers journeying north from Lexington.
In the middle of the water fountain is a column is from the demolished Covington City Hall
Covington was established by an Act of Legislation and approved on February 8, 1815. Part of this property was purchased by a group of businessmen in 1815. (These men were John S. Gano, Richard M. Gano, and Thomas D. Carneal – there is a historic marker by the Carneal house on 2nd/Shelby)
The city was named after General Leonard Covington, who died in the War of 1812. Covington’s streets were named in honor of Kentucky’s first Governors:
Governors: Shelby, Garrard, Greenup, Scott, and Madison.
Also honored with a street named after is Kennedy.
Contemporary History
With much local community outcry and activism, the city’s “urban renewal” plan was rejected in the late 1960’s. The plan was to demolish historic homes and replace them with high rise structures in what is now the Historic Licking Riverside District.
In November 1968, The Cincinnati Enquirer and Kentucky Post reported that the Covington City Commission wanted to clear and redevelop the area. The proposal called for leveling the homes along the Licking-Riverside area for modern high-rise developments.
In January 1969, the Riverside Drive area of Covington was declared a state historic landmark by the Kentucky Heritage Commission.
The First Duveneck Art show was held in this park in 1969 – please note the historical marker on Garrard Street.
In 1971, the National Park Service entered the area in the National Registry of Historic Places.
In the 1980s, a Riverwalk complete with bronze statutes was created. Two that stand in this park: Mary Green and Simon Kenton.
Videos about The Point:
Sources:
Covington at 200: Points of View © 2015 Batter Row Productions, Produced and Directed by Steve Oldfield & Sean Thomas.
Gateway City: Covington, Kentucky 1815-2015 © 2015 Clerisy Press, Edited by Paul A. Tenkotte, PhD; James C. Claypool, PhD; & David E. Schroder.
Kenton County Public Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department.