WASHINGTON — Population: 7200

Flowing with charm, culture, and community — this short phrase captures the essence of this wonderful town, three times voted one of the Best Small Towns in America.

The city of Washington is in southeast Iowa, just 30 minutes south of Iowa City/Coralville. Washington is a creative, wholesome community offering residents and visitors alike many unique features including beautifully preserved architecture around our town square and throughout the community. Washington's Central park serves as a gathering place for the community and plays host to many activities throughout the year including: a weekly Farmer's Market, Car Shows, Craft Show, Lighted Christmas Parade and other fun events.

Downtown Washington is located in the heart of the city and is undergoing a major revitalization with the nearly completed Streetscape project and new library construction on the south side of the square.

Main Street Washington
205 W Main Street
Washington, IA 52353
phone: 319.653.3272
fax: 319.653.5805
E-mail: washms@iowatelecom.net
Web site: www.mainstreetwashington.com

Town History

Washington was settled in 1835, following treaties with Sac and Fox Indian Tribes. Originally the town was called Slaughter, in honor of William B. Slaughter, Secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin. The name was not well liked and was soon changed to Washington, after George Washington in 1839. In this same year, Washington became the county seat of Washington County. Original settlers were attracted to Washington because of the fruitful land. Washington still holds a Guinness World Record for the tallest corn stock.

Landmarks and Unique Local Features

• Centennial Fountain — Constructed and built in 1939 for Washington's Centennial Celebration it is the only of its type in the continental United States. The fountain features a multi-colored light show and remains the focus of Central Park in Downtown Washington.
• Sunset Park — This city park features a new $2 million aquatic center, Frisbee golf, large wooden playground, bike/skateboard park, dog park, tennis courts, and a rocket slide.
• Kewash Trail — The Kewash Nature Trail is a 14 mile former railroad right-of-way that connects the towns of Washington and Keota. It traverses through a variety of landscapes from rich woodland areas to brilliant native prairie openings which offer a scenic view of the surrounding rolling countryside. Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant along this natural corridor.
• Daughters of the American Revolution Log Cabin — This cabin was home to Alexander Young and his family of 10 in 1840. The cabin is furnished with furniture representative of the period in which it was built. It has been listed on the National Register for Historic Places since 1973. The DAR Log Cabin is located in the southwest corner of Sunset Park, Hwy 92 W in Washington.
• Conger House Museum — This house, built in 1847 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and since opening as the Jonathan Clarke Conger House Museum in 1973 displays period rooms and county artifacts. Located at 903 E Washington Street, Washington.
• F-Troop Military Museum — This building was used at the administrative office for Troop F, World War 1 - 113th Calvary. This museum features unique military memorabilia form the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iran, and Iraq. Located at 219 Sitler Drive, Washington.
• Municipal Band — Now in its 67th season, the municipal band plays a weekly concert series on an open-air bandstand in Central Park each summer.
• Community Center — The Washington Community Center is a 22,000 square foot modern structure features four major productions each year and accommodates cultural and educational programming for the surrounding area. Located at 2225 250th Street, Washington.
• The Boulevard — Washington features a brick boulevard on West Washington Street. This boulevard has some of the oldest homes in town, built in the late 1800s, each beautifully preserved and restored.

Local Links

[www.mainstreetwashington.com]
[www.washingtoniowachamber.com]
[www.washingtoniowa.net]