Many little towns in Texas sprang up because of
rail lines crossing the state. This part of the state was short-grass prairie.
This means that it’s a good place to raise cattle and that the
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| Cattle country |
land will
support crops. Farming, ranching, and the ability to get produce to larger
distribution centers let towns such as Covington thrive. Covington, in the north central Hill County, began its life
through the efforts of James J. Gathings. This Mississippian came to Texas in
1852, buying thousands of acres of land, then building a large and successful
farming and ranching concern. He set aside 100 acres of his ranch for the town
of Covington, which he had named for his wife. Any family who agreed to make a
home in the area and to help build a school was offered a lot in town. They
were also offered jobs in Gatherings’s other businesses. Quickly the town, and
the businesses, grew generating a factory that produced boots, clothes, flour,
saddles, wagons, and pretty much any other items the settlers needed. A steam
mill and gin made Covington an attractive place to do business and made
Gathings wealthy.
