History of Washington
Washington’s proud history can be traced back to 1839 when it was selected to be the Washington County seat. Washington was first called Slaughter after its founder William B. Slaughter, secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin. Later the name was changed to Washington in honor of George Washington.
By the mid-1850s, Washington was a viable, working community with grocery stores, a shoe shop, buggy manufacturer, hotel and taverns, nursery and at least six dry good stores. The first County Nurse program was started in Washington County. Today, Washington shakes the hand of the past and reverently preserves its history for all to see and appreciate.
Centennial Fountain in Central Park was constructed and dedicated in 1939 for Washington’s Centennial Celebration. It is the only one of its type in the continental United States. It features a multicolored light show and is the focus of Central Park in downtown Washington.
Conger House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses collections of the Washington Historical Society. The original three-room house was built in 1847 by Thomas Richey, Washington’s first settler. In 1855 Jonathon Conger bought the house and began adding to it. When it was completed in 1868, the house was transformed into a home of generous proportions. The museum displays period rooms and county artifacts.
The Brinton House was originally built by Frank Brinton and his wife Indiana. Frank was an inventor who had early prototypes of motion pictures and air ships. He had even gathered hundreds of people to see the first air ship fly, but when a part was unexpectedly held up in shipping, the crowd became upset and destroyed his prototype.
The Alexander Young Log Cabin sits amidst a flower garden in Sunset Park. Built in 1840, the home was moved to its present location in 1912. It was home to Alexander, his wife Mary and their eight children. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. The cabin is open 2-4 p.m. every Sunday, June through August.
The Boulevard (West Washington Street) hosts the beautiful homes of Washington’s early years. Many of the houses on this street were built in the late 1800’s. The homes come in a variety of architectural styles. The original cobblestone drive still makes way for the modern vehicles of today.
The F Troop Military Museum was the administrative office for Troop F World War I’s 113th Cavalry. The building houses military memorabilia and F Troop Productions recording studio.
Blair House is known as the “Little Sister” to Terrace Hill (Iowa’s Governor’s Mansion). Built in 1880 by Winfield Smouse, who made his fortune in land speculation, the house was sold to Edwin Blair, a grain dealer, who lived in the house until his death. In 1902 the Washington Commercial Club bought the house and in 1925 it became the city hall. In 1974 it was acquired by a group of citizens and restored. Today it is used as an office and meeting center. Its Italian-type architecture and history make this building unique and has given it longevity in the community.
Presently, the Genealogical Society, with 100 memberships, preserves and maintains the records of the community at the Washington Public Library. The Society’s library includes the births, deaths, marriage records, cemetery records, obituaries, family and county histories of area residents past and present. Washington’s Genealogical Society is known as one of the best compilations in the state.
Settlers came to Washington for many reasons. The land was fertile and farms were cheap or free. Today Washington remembers and respects its rich history and the people who made it what it is now and in the future.
