Gathings College

Established about 1860 by the founder of Covington, Col. James Gathings, and his brother Philip. Over 200 students enrolled. A military department prepared young men for duty in Civil War. Many of the 25 colleges in Confederate Texas closed, due to shortage of teachers and books. But college here stayed open. Col. Gathings operated flour mill, tannery, shoe shop, machine shop (made wagons, coffins, farm equipment), brick kiln, saddlery. To needy families of soldiers he gave flour, meat and shoes. He also mounted, clothed and equipped army units free.

Gathings College is a historical marker in Covington, Hill County, dedicated in 1965. It is one of 104 historical markers documented in Hill County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 199 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.1818, -97.2587 near Covington. The nearest cataloged historic site is Covington Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include King-Scott, Ross, and Blanton.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5217002114. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.