The Real Hazzard County: 7 Shocking 'Then And Now' Secrets Of Dukes Of Hazzard Filming Locations In Covington, Georgia
Decades after the iconic 1970s action-comedy first aired, the spirit of Hazzard County lives on, but the physical landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. As of late
The city's commitment to its cinematic history is stronger than ever, with the Covington Welcome Center seeing over 132,000 visitors in 2024 alone, all eager to see the real-life backdrops of Hazzard County, Sparta, and even Mystic Falls from *The Vampire Diaries*. If you're planning a pilgrimage to the site of the Duke boys' earliest adventures, prepare for a fascinating "then and now" tour, as the old police station is now a bank, and The Boar's Nest has found a surprising new calling.
The Real-Life Entities of Hazzard County: A Location Biography
While *The Dukes of Hazzard* was a fictional show, the locations used in the initial episodes are very real and form the core of the show's Southern authenticity. Here is a list of the most important entities and their real-world identities in Covington and the surrounding Newton County, Georgia.
- The Fictional Setting: Hazzard County, Georgia (later moved to California).
- The Real Location: Covington, Georgia (Newton County), and nearby Conyers and Oxford.
- Hazzard County Courthouse: The Newton County Courthouse, located on the Covington Town Square.
- Hazzard County Police Station: A former building on the Square, now remodeled into a bank/credit union.
- The Boar's Nest: A building located at 290 Flat Rock Rd. in Oxford, Georgia.
- Cooter's Garage: The exterior was filmed at Crane Auto Parts on Georgia Highway 81 & Herring Street NW.
- The Duke Farm: A private residence and property located off the main roads in Newton County.
- High Octane Jump Scene: The famous downhill jump from the opening credits was filmed at a location known as Seney Hall.
- The General Lee: The iconic 1969 Dodge Charger.
- Key Actors (Original Georgia Filming): John Schneider (Bo Duke), Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke), James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), and Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg).
- Current Tourism Hub: The Covington Welcome Center, which houses *Dukes of Hazzard* memorabilia.
The Shocking 'Then and Now' Status of Hazzard's Iconic Locations
For die-hard fans of the Duke family, visiting Covington is like stepping into a time machine, albeit one that requires a little imagination. Many of the most recognizable buildings from the first five episodes have been repurposed, but the city’s self-guided tours and Main Street Trolleys (as featured in the 2025 Visitor Guide) make it easy to find them.
1. The Boar's Nest is Now a Church
In the series, The Boar's Nest was the local watering hole and constant source of trouble, often managed by Boss Hogg's wife, Lulu. Today, the building used for the exterior shots has undergone the most dramatic transformation of any major location. The structure located at 290 Flat Rock Rd. in nearby Oxford, Georgia, is no longer a raucous tavern but has been converted into a church. This surprising change from a fictional den of iniquity to a place of worship offers a perfect example of the "then and now" dichotomy that makes the Georgia locations so fascinating to explore.
2. The Hazzard County Square is Now 'Mystic Falls'
The heart of Hazzard County was the Covington Town Square, dominated by the Newton County Courthouse. This square was the backdrop for countless car chases, Boss Hogg's schemes, and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's bumbling arrests. While the courthouse still stands, the square is now globally recognized by a new generation of fans as "Mystic Falls, Virginia," the main setting for the hit supernatural series *The Vampire Diaries*. This dual identity—where the General Lee once jumped and vampires now roam—highlights Covington's unique success as a film town, which also includes its role as Sparta, Mississippi, in *In the Heat of the Night*.
3. Cooter's Garage Has Lost Its Grease
Cooter's Garage, the sanctuary for the Duke boys' mechanical needs and a safe haven from Boss Hogg's tyranny, was a crucial setting. The real-life exterior used for the iconic garage was Crane Auto Parts, located at the intersection of Georgia Highway 81 and Herring Street NW. While the building may look different today, the location is a must-see for fans, representing the place where Cooter Davenport (played by Ben Jones) kept the General Lee running and ready for its next jump.
4. The Hazzard County Police Station is a Bank
The building used as the Hazzard County Police Station in the early episodes, where the Duke boys were frequently booked by Rosco and Deputy Enos Strate, is another location that has been completely renovated. The former police station has since been remodeled and now operates as a modern bank or credit union near the Square. This transformation is a symbolic nod to the passage of time, as the fictional seat of law enforcement has been replaced by a real-world financial institution.
The General Lee's Legacy: Current Events and Actor Connections
The connection between the cast and the "real" Hazzard County remains strong, often fueling the city's robust tourism industry. While the primary *Dukes of Hazzard* museum, Cooter's Place, is located in Nashville and Gatlinburg, the spirit of the show is actively celebrated in Georgia.
The Enduring Fan Pilgrimage
The Covington Welcome Center, a central hub for film tourists, capitalizes on the show's legacy by displaying a vast selection of props and memorabilia from *Dukes of Hazzard*, *In the Heat of the Night*, and *The Vampire Diaries*. The center's success—over 132,000 visitors in 2024—proves that the appetite for Hazzard County remains insatiable.
Furthermore, the tradition of fan gatherings continues in the region. Although the major "Dukes of Hazzard Georgia Reunion" featuring actors like John Schneider (Bo Duke) and Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke) was recently held in nearby Byron, Georgia, these events keep the show's topical authority fresh and relevant in the state. The mention of a "Hazzar Co Hangout 2025" in fan circles also suggests that local, grassroots events continue to draw enthusiasts to the Newton County area.
The Mystery of the Duke Farm
The Duke Farm, Uncle Jesse's home and the moral center of Hazzard County, was a private residence in Newton County. Unlike the commercial buildings, the farm location has remained relatively unchanged, but its status is often a topic of discussion among fans. Past efforts to preserve the property highlight the deep emotional connection fans have to the rustic, rural setting that defined the Duke family's simple life.
The Seney Hall Jump Scene
One of the most thrilling moments in the show's opening credits—the downhill jump of the General Lee—was filmed near the former Seney Hall, a location that fans can still visit. This site, along with the Depot Railroad Crossing, offers a direct, tangible link to the high-octane stunts that made the show a cultural phenomenon.
Covington, Georgia, is more than just a footnote in television history; it is the living, evolving landscape of Hazzard County. Whether you are a fan of the General Lee or Mystic Falls, the town offers a unique journey into the real-world locations that launched a television legend.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Ila Stamm DDS
- Username : harber.maynard
- Email : jay03@koelpin.com
- Birthdate : 1988-09-23
- Address : 8584 Alvera Gateway Kirstinfurt, CT 03268-9067
- Phone : 1-903-517-9599
- Company : Monahan Group
- Job : Motion Picture Projectionist
- Bio : Iste amet est non. Et et laudantium ex ullam et recusandae esse. Et hic sit facilis.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@yostf
- username : yostf
- bio : Deleniti ut sit id nam. Dolore soluta consequatur dolores quisquam consectetur.
- followers : 6679
- following : 386
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/fritzyost
- username : fritzyost
- bio : Rerum tempora labore velit eaque sint.
- followers : 554
- following : 2245
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/fritz1622
- username : fritz1622
- bio : Omnis velit vel architecto. Debitis qui aut autem facilis. Placeat pariatur et eos velit non exercitationem sit.
- followers : 5911
- following : 1667
