Washington County

Washington County is a rural county in northern Kansas covering about 900 square miles of prairie and rolling terrain. The city of Washington serves as its administrative hub with the courthouse at its center.

The county was established in 1857 and formally organized in 1873 as settlers moved westward. The Oregon-California and Pony Express routes passed through, shaping early growth in the region.

Rural communities here maintain strong connections to farming through local events and markets where residents gather to share their agricultural way of life.

The best time to visit is during warmer months when the landscape is green and local events take place. The area is easy to explore by car, as main roads connect the small towns and rural areas throughout the county.

A major oil pipeline runs through the county, linking this rural area to national energy networks in an unexpected way. This infrastructure shows how farmland regions play a role in continental transportation systems.

Location: Kansas

Inception: 1873

Capital city: Washington

Shares border with: Jefferson County, Riley County, Clay County, Gage County, Marshall County, Thayer County, Cloud County, Republic County

Website: http://WashingtonCountyKS.net

GPS coordinates: 39.80000,-97.10000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57