Washington County

Washington County is an administrative division in northeastern Tennessee that spreads across rolling hills and river landscapes as part of the Tri-Cities region. The area includes several communities, with Jonesborough as the county seat, and offers a mix of rural and small town settings.

The area was established in 1777, making it one of the first administrative divisions in Tennessee, named after the first US president. This early settlement made the region an important part of early American history in the Southeast.

The International Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough draws narrators and listeners from around the world to share oral traditions and stories. The event shapes the cultural life of the region and shows how storytelling brings the community together.

The area offers access to a range of public parks and natural spaces that allow for hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Visitors should account for the varied terrain and more rural road network when exploring the different communities.

Jonesborough, the county seat, is Tennessee's oldest incorporated town with preserved buildings from the 1700s and 1800s. This historic community maintains its original architecture and street layouts that keep the area's early American character alive.

Location: Tennessee

Inception: November 15, 1777

Capital city: Jonesborough

Shares border with: Sullivan County, Carter County, Unicoi County, Greene County, Hawkins County

Website: http://washingtoncountytn.org

GPS coordinates: 36.29000,-82.50000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:26