Welcome to you and your family from
the community of Washington, Illinois.
Whether you are looking to relocate or
visit, we invite you to spend a day
enjoying
the diverse shopping and
dining experiences
throughout our city
and encounter firsthand
the “Good
Neighbor” attitude expressed
by our residential and business
community.
Washington’s legacy began in 1825 with a log cabin built
by William Holland. This being a blacksmith trade area
attracted Pioneers, and in 1834 the city was defined.
The original name of the city was Holland’s Grove, and
later changed to Washington in honor of our first President.
As early as 1900, the city was the commercial center for a
wide agricultural area and was quite cultural.
Located just five miles east of the Illinois River, we are connected
with US Route 24 and State Route 8, Interstate 74 is within ten
miles.
We offer the comforts and safety of small town living with
the
amenities of a bigger city. A city of about 13,167 people,
Washington has successfully grown into a progressive community
while preserving
its rich heritage. Celebrating our 175th anniver-
sary in 2000, our city
pride is evident in the beautiful historical
homes and thriving
downtown square.
The charm of our heritage set into a vital city
makes Washington an attractive place to visit
and a wonderful place to call home. We
welcome you to experience the warmth and
richness of all that is Washington, Illinois.
maintains a police department of 19
full-time policemen, and 15 volunteers,
18 paid EMT’s and 35 volunteer
firemen and EMT’s. There are two
weekly newspapers, three daily
newspapers, 20 TV stations and
access to cable service.
public library, quaint shops, recreational trails, restaurants,
great parks and quiet neighborhoods are all here in Washington.
We offer the comfort and safety of small town living
with the amenities of a larger city. Washington is a
progressive community of 13,167, yet still preserves
its rich heritage. Founded in 1825, city pride is
evident in the beautiful historic homes and thriving
small town America downtown square.
Several new residential developments
provide upscale housing to our residents . . .
The family household income is slightly
higher than the surrounding areas,
averaging $52,210.
Washington Park District offers a comprehensive program of year-
round activities and over 200 acres of beautiful open areas, and
many recreational facilities. Soccer fields, Frisbee Golf, children’s
water spay park, hiking trails and a lake stocked with fish partner
with the Washington Recreation Trail, two golf courses, an eleven-
screen movie theater and a bowling center all of which create an
outstanding activity center.
The Chamber of Commerce sponsors an annual Cherry Festival,
A community banquet honoring outstanding Washingtonians,
Breakfast with Santa and the Easter bunny, Moonlight Madness,
Office Staff Day and two golf outings.
Washington is also home to
the Gus Macker
tournament.
Hosted
by the Washington
Park
District
and played in
the heart of the
beautiful
WashingtonPark, this
tournament
draws
individuals
from all over
the state.
The District Library centrally
located
in
Washington houses
over 70,000
volumes
and
offers
children’s
programs
and a
quality resource
center.
and universities within 50 miles: Bradley University, Illinois Central College, Illinois State University,
Illinois Wesleyan, Knox College, Midstate College, Robert Morris, University of Illinois-Champaign
and University of Illinois-Springfield located on the I.C.C. campus, as well as three Schools of Nursing,
U of I College of Medicine, and the Sun Foundation School for the Arts & Sciences for the academically
gifted.
has a variety of businesses, which provide goods and
services to the community as well as to markets around
the world. Numerous financial institutions and branches
are located throughout the corporate limits which
provide a wide range of financial services to new,
relocating and expanding businesses. Washington is a
major marketplace for the region drawing shoppers
from the surrounding areas.
Washington sports local industry as well: Illinois
Valley Plastic (Custom Plastic Injection Molding),
Miller Welding and Iron Works (iron product
fabrication), American Allied RR (rebuilds RR wheels)
and GFE (fire equipment).
K-Mart, Super Wal-Mart, automobile dealerships,
restaurants, a nursing home and other businesses
bring not only a work place but also the amenities
of a large city.
Emergency 911 Service and two new prompt-care facilities are also located here. With-in ten miles are three major hospitals with more than 1,487 beds, each specializing in unique services such as, trauma, dialysis, heart surgery and transplant.