Prior to the city of Covington's founding, George Rogers Clark used the area as a mustering spot for incursions against the Indians from Ohio who were raiding Kentucky, and then later for organizing troops for his Illinois campaign.

[2] Riverside Drive was a popular place to build the finest houses in Covington, with many still standing from the early 19th century.

The 1815-built Thomas Carneal House, the first brick house in Covington, is a Georgian-style domicile reminiscent of Italian architect Andrea Palladio; it still features a tunnel, leading to the Licking River, that allowed the owners to help slaves escaping via the Underground Railroad.

Prominent visitors to the house included the Marquis de Lafayette, Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson, and Daniel Webster.

[4][5] Seven bronze statues of prominent figures in the history of the area are placed in lifelike poses on riverside benches.