Covington, KY Statues

Across the river from Cincinnati, near the mouth of the Licking River in Covington, KY, stand statues of the naturalist and artist John J. Audubon and Miami Indian Chief Little Turtle.

Begin your exploration by parking near George Rogers Clark Park, which contains a sculpture of Simon Kenton, a contemporary of Clark’s who was a pioneer in settling Kentucky. Nearby is a statue of Captain Mary Greene, one of the very first women to become a licensed boat master and river pilot. A stroll to the east along the river will lead to a seated sculpture of James Bradley, an ex-slave who purchased his own freedom and become an eloquent defender of racial equality.

Walking further east, the next sculpture is an impressionistic one of Little Turtle. One of the foremost Indian leaders of his time, he personally met the first three American presidents and signed treaties on behalf of his tribe. His lost grave in Fort Wayne, Ind. was uncovered in 1912, almost exactly one hundred years to the day after his death. It was positively identified by the saber given to him by George Washington that was found at his side.

Within steps is a sculpture of John J. Audubon sketching as he gazes out over the river. Audubon spent much of his early adult life in Kentucky. It was while running a store in the state when his talent was realized and he began seriously pursuing his artistry.