Welcome to Washington County – the first in the Nation!Established in 1776 and named for then Gen. George Washington, our county's history reflects the history of our nation. Among our many historical sites are:-a fort built in 1756 for use during the French and Indian War,-a city founded by a German immigrant in 1762,-a battlefield strewn with 23,000 dead and wounded soldiers in 1862,-a highway, a canal, and later a railroad that helped to open up the frontier and further westward expansion.These treasures and many others secure Washington County's place of honor in American history. Our 458 square miles contain 3 National Parks, 7 State Parks, 14 County Parks, and numerous City and Town Parks. But perhaps our greatest treasures are 24 graceful stone arch bridges built between 1819 and 1863.