Covington is a charming city just north of New Orleans that’s the best of both worlds. Even though the city is home to over 10,000 residents, it still maintains that small-town charm while functioning as a major city. The historic downtown area is a beautifully walkable area with tons of unique boutiques, antique stores, and local restaurants that make Covington a perfect day-trip destination. The city is also home to a unique claim to fame: the largest Ronald Reagan statue in the entire world is located here, and it’s worth checking out.
The statue is located at the Covington Trailhead for the Tammany Trace.
Eric Hecker/Google
The Tammany Trace is a 30+ mile-long rail trail that meanders through five towns in St. Tammany Parish.
Garret Thibodeaux/Google
The trail will take you through the downtown areas of Lacombe, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Slidell, and Covington.
Rogue Trip/Google
When you arrive at the trailhead, you can’t miss this giant statue.
Gabrielle C./Google Mr. Reagan proudly greets all visitors to the trailhead.
Measuring nearly 16 feet (including the base), it’s the largest statue of Ronald Reagan in the world.
Jana Eichhorn/Google The base is about six feet tall and the statue itself is nearly 10 feet tall.
But how did it come to be? And why Covington?
Nubs/Google No, Ronald Reagan did not have any ties to Covington. The statue was the brainchild of Patrick F. Taylor, an oil tycoon with Louisiana roots who was responsible for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, more commonly known as the TOPS program. TOPS enabled Louisiana students to receive scholarships to Louisiana public colleges, a program that helped countless youthful Louisianians attend college.
Taylor was a strong supporter of Ronald Reagan and had wanted to build a memorial to his favorite president.
Hugo Hackenbush/Google Sadly, Taylor passed away before he was able to see his project all the way through. His foundation continued his work, Covington volunteered to be the dedicated site, and local sculpture Patrick Miller was commissioned to build the statue. Another major setback occurred when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 and delayed the plans, but the statue was finally unveiled in 2008, and he looks pretty happy to be there!
Have you ever seen the sculpture in person? Let us know in the comments!
Eric Hecker/Google
Garret Thibodeaux/Google
Rogue Trip/Google
Gabrielle C./Google
Mr. Reagan proudly greets all visitors to the trailhead.
Jana Eichhorn/Google
The base is about six feet tall and the statue itself is nearly 10 feet tall.
Nubs/Google
No, Ronald Reagan did not have any ties to Covington. The statue was the brainchild of Patrick F. Taylor, an oil tycoon with Louisiana roots who was responsible for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, more commonly known as the TOPS program. TOPS enabled Louisiana students to receive scholarships to Louisiana public colleges, a program that helped countless youthful Louisianians attend college.
Hugo Hackenbush/Google
Sadly, Taylor passed away before he was able to see his project all the way through. His foundation continued his work, Covington volunteered to be the dedicated site, and local sculpture Patrick Miller was commissioned to build the statue. Another major setback occurred when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 and delayed the plans, but the statue was finally unveiled in 2008, and he looks pretty happy to be there!
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Address: Covington, LA, USA
