The History of Washington County Pennsylvania…

In 1781, Washington County became the first county in the United States of America to be named in honor of General George Washington. Washington County was formed to allow "the inhabitants of the area west of the Monongahela River to have more convenient courts and public offices, rather than the inconvenience and hardship of being so far remote from the seat of justice" (Preamble of Legislation creating Washington County, March 28, 1781). Shortly thereafter, Canonsburg was chartered in 1802 and remains the county's oldest borough.

Washington County indeed has a proud historic heritage. While settled primarily by Scottish and Irish immigrants moving from Virginia, the county's history of community actually is much older. Washington County is home to Meadowcroft Rock Shelter that is one of the oldest known sites of human settlement in North America. Through excavations at the site, it is known that the first "citizens" of Washington County arrived several thousand years ago. In early colonial times the county was roamed by French fur traders and George Washington campaigned through the area during the French and Indian War. A log structure built in 1787 served as the first county courthouse in the town of Basset, later renamed Washington. The present-day Washington County Courthouse, completed in 1900 by the F.J. Osterling Company of Pittsburgh, is a registered national landmark.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Another tourist attraction preserved by the Washington County Historical Society is the residence of Dr. Francis J. LeMoyne, a leading abolitionist and founder of the Western Abolition Society in 1824. The Western Abolition Society also founded the Underground Railroad, which surfaced in such places as West Middletown and Washington where the LeMoyne House remains today as a legacy to the Civil War. Dr. LeMoyne also constructed the first crematory in the United States. Built in 1875, Dr. Lemoyne and 42 other people were cremated over a period of 24 years at the crematory located in the City of Washington.

George Washington's early years as a surveyor enabled him to see the need for a "national" road through the Allegheny Mountains connecting the eastern seaboard centers with the Ohio Valley and the western frontier. Completed in 1818 and still in use today, the National Pike (Route 40) runs through Washington County. Route 40 connects Washington City with the southeast of the state and with West Virginia and Ohio to the west. Route 40 was America's first federally funded transportation system. Numerous antique shops and historical points of interest such as the Century Inn of Scenery Hill-the oldest hostelry along National Pike-is still located along Route 40.

HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL

Scenic Washington County boasts a number of historic and architectural landmarks including 23 well-maintained covered bridges, the National Pike, and its renowned courthouse, which is considered one of the finest examples of Italian renaissance architecture in the United States.

Today, Washington County has again transformed into an economy based on diverse industries such as high technology and advanced manufacturing. However, many of the qualities that attracted the original settlers to the county remain for residents and visitors to enjoy.

POPULATION

Located in southwestern Pennsylvania , Washington County 's population is approximately 205,000 within a land area of 863.6 square miles. The county seat is located at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 79 in the city of Washington . The county consists of many communities and boroughs ranging in population from 19 to 17,566 residents

HOUSING COST

Housing costs in the region reflect favorably on the growing regional construction market. New homes and developments are readily available throughout Washington County . Housing costs range from $26,500 to $462,500 with the median housing value in Washington County at $87,000.

With so much to see and do in Washington County, the possibilities are endless. Whether you are just passing through, staying overnight or planning an extended stay, Washington County is a great place to shop, enjoy the outdoors and experience American History.