Welcome to Historic
Washington, Kentucky
 
 

 


 
 
Events
 
 
 
 
Past Events
 
 
 
Woodcarver's Day
 
Civil War Living History Weekend
MAP
 
WHAT'S NEW
 
VISITOR'S CENTER
 
TOURS
 
MUSEUMS
 
FRONTIERSMAN
SIMON KENTON
 
SIMON KENTON
BRIDGE
 
CIVIL WAR -
- Civil War Living History Weekend
        * Photos
- Albert Sidney
Johnston
 
UNDERGROUND
RAILROAD
 
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE
Slavery to Freedom Museum

Cemeteries in 
Washington

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE MUSEUM

COVERED BRIDGES
 
LOG CABIN LEARNING
 
RECREATION
 
E-MAIL
 
FAX: 606.759.7423
 
Phyllis' Antiques

Row House Restaurant 
& Ice Cream Shoppe


1790 Row House Mall

Other Links

 

 
    "One of the most unique communities in the world and THE MOST Unique community in Kentucky" says Dennis Redmond, past city manager. 
 
  Washington is a 1700's village of shops, museums, tours and fine Kentucky dining. Established in 1786, by the Virginia Legislature, six years before KY became a state. 
 
  By 1790 it had grown to 119 log cabins, the second largest town in Ky. After separation from Bourbon County in 1788 Washington became the County seat of Mason County, which included nearly one-fourth of the area of Kentucky. 
 
  In 1792 Kentucky was admitted to the Union as the 15th state, and many Westerners hoped that the thriving little city, with its 119 log Cabins would be the capital of the United States. 
 
  Reputedly Washington was the first town named for George Washington. Washington in 1797 was the glowing center of education and fashion. Visitors from Lexington and surrounding settlements came here to shop. 
 
  There were 20 flourishing mercantile houses, 2 taverns (inns), 10 mechanics shops, 3 rope walks, and 3 churches.
 
 
 
 
FLATBOAT - C. 1787 Mefford's Station is the last known flatboat house in existence.  Note flagstone sidwalks and 1 of 22 wells of 1790, the first public waterworks west of the Alleghenies.
 
CANE BRAKE - Visitor's Center - Original 1790 log cabin.
 
LOG POST OFFICE - Only known working log post office in US.  As early as 1786 Washington was a major mail distributing point for the entire North-West Territory.
 
 
Washington, Ky.
Downtown Washington

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

  Established 1786

Washington was explored by legendary frontiersman Simon Kenton.