Washington County

Washington County is an administrative region in southeastern Ohio along the Ohio River, featuring rolling hills, forests, and farmland spread across its territory. The county includes several small towns and communities, with Marietta serving as the county seat, offering a mix of rural and more developed areas.

The county was established in 1788 as the first organized county in the Northwest Territory of the United States. This early administrative structure helped shape settlement patterns and development throughout the region, making it a starting point for westward expansion.

The county is home to several museums, including Campus Martius Museum and Historic Fort Harmar, which display artifacts and stories from the early settlement period. These institutions help visitors understand how the first settlers lived and built their communities here.

Visitors can explore the county most easily by car or on foot using local roads that connect the various towns and natural areas throughout the region. Spring through fall offers the best visiting conditions, when weather is pleasant and most outdoor attractions and museums operate regular hours.

The Ohio River and several tributaries create a waterway network that served early settlers for transportation and trade. This river system continues to shape the landscape today and offers boating and fishing opportunities that many visitors overlook.

Location: Ohio

Inception: July 27, 1788

Capital city: Marietta

Reference: WAS

Shares border with: Noble County, Pleasants County, Monroe County, Tyler County, Wood County, Athens County, Morgan County

Website: https://washingtongov.org

GPS coordinates: 39.46000,-81.49000

Latest update: December 23, 2025 19:10