Washington County, Tennessee

A Narrow-Gauge Railroad A National Cemetery System A Summary of the Life of Davy Crockett Alfred Eugene Jackson Alfred Martin Ray Buffalo Soldier Andre Michaux Battle of Limestone Station Boone Trail Highway Boone's Creek Church Brush Creek Campground Buffalo Ridge Church Captain Christopher Taylor Home Cherokee Church Chester Inn Christopher Taylor House Colored Christian Church and Colored School Crockett CrockettÂ’s Tennessee Westward Movement Daniel Boone David Crockett Davy CrockettÂ’s Birthplace Desegregation of East Tennessee State College (University) Dr. Hezekiah B. Hankal Dungan-St. John Mill East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Depot Elbert Columbus "E.C." Miller Eye-Witness to a Near Tragedy Fall Branch Community Educational Center FiddlinÂ’ Charlie Bowman First Abolition Publications First Court of Washington County First English-Speaking Visitors Gillespie Stone House History on Knob Creek Isaac Hammer Jacob Brown Jacob Brown Jesse Duncan John Sevier Hotel Johnson City Johnson City Johnson City Sessions Jonesboro: Oldest Town in Tennessee Jonesborough Jonesborough Veterans Park Keebler-Keefauver Home Keystone Pottery Knob Creek Church of the Brethren Landon Carter Haynes Langston High School Main Street May-Dishner House Memorial Fountain Mountain Home National Cemetery National SoldiersÂ’ Home Old Dutch Meeting House Passenger Service Plum Grove Robert E. Young Cabin RobinsÂ’ Roost Salem Church Samuel Cole Williams Science Hill State Flag State Seal Story of the Tweetsie Sulphur Springs Camp Meeting Grounds Sulphur Springs Campground Summers Hardware Tennessee Early History Monument The Music of the Rails The Real Likeness of David Crockett The Tester Brothers Thomas Embree Thomas Emmerson Tipton-Haynes Cemetery Tipton-Haynes Historic Site Trail Geology Tree Streets Historic District Warner Institute Washington College Washington College Washington County / Greene County Welcome to Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park William Bean's Cabin William Nelson Home
Washington County, Tennessee, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was once home to Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee, who used the land for hunting and agriculture. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive, with the region becoming a vital gateway to the frontier. In fact, Washington County was the first county to be established in the state in 1777.

During the Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role as a base for attacks against British forces. The county's courthouse, located in Jonesborough, witnessed the signing of the first constitutional government in the southwestern frontier, making it an important historical site. The county continued to grow and prosper throughout the 19th century, becoming a center for agriculture, commerce, and education.

One of the most notable events in Washington County's history occurred during the American Civil War. The county was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to numerous skirmishes and raids. The Battle of Limestone College, fought in 1863, was a significant moment in the county's past as Union forces successfully repelled Confederate troops, ensuring control of the region.

In the years following the Civil War, Washington County experienced a period of economic growth driven by industrialization. Railroads were established, bringing coal and other resources to the region, and manufacturing flourished. The county became known for its production of textiles, and several mills were built along the rivers. Today, Washington County continues to thrive as a vibrant area that blends its rich history with modern amenities, attracting visitors from around the world.
Brief timeline of the history of Washington County, Tennessee:

  • 1777: Washington County, TN was established on March 26 as part of North Carolina.
  • 1780: The Battle of Kings Mountain occurred in what is now Washington County, Tennessee.
  • 1784: John Sevier, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, became the county's first elected governor.
  • 1788: Jonesborough, the county seat, was founded as the first town in Tennessee.
  • 1796: Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States with Washington County remaining a part of it.
  • 1856: The completion of the Watauga Railroad boosted the local economy.
  • 1861: The American Civil War began, and Washington County experienced significant disruptions.
  • 1870: The East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad was completed, connecting the county to a wider transportation network.
  • 1911: East Tennessee State Normal School (now East Tennessee State University) was established in Johnson City.
  • 1942: The Tennessee Valley Authority's Boone Dam was completed, generating hydroelectric power and providing flood control.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Washington County, Tennessee.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.