Washington County
East Tennessee | County Seat: Jonesborough | Founded 1777
Home to Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town, founded 1779.
Washington County is home to Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, founded in 1779. The area was central to the Watauga Association and the State of Franklin, an early attempt at statehood. Today, Jonesborough is known for its National Storytelling Festival and well-preserved historic district.
Read more about Washington County
Washington County in northeast Tennessee centers on Jonesborough, the state's oldest town (1779), and Johnson City, its largest city. The Watauga Association, one of the earliest self-governing bodies in the trans-Appalachian west, met in this area. The lost State of Franklin (1784-1788) had its capital in Jonesborough. The county is home to East Tennessee State University and the National Storytelling Festival. The region's railroad and iron industry history shaped its development through the 19th century.
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Historic Sites
Markers
Cemeteries
NR Entries
Partners
Story Themes
On the map
National Register places, state historic sites, markers, and cemeteries in Washington County. Cemetery locations shown at county center are approximate; exact locations are withheld for preservation. Browse the full survey →
Historical MarkersSample data for demonstration
Jonesborough — Tennessee's Oldest Town
Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and served as a capital of the lost State of Franklin.
State of Franklin
The State of Franklin (1784–1788), an early attempt at statehood, was centered in Jonesborough before Tennessee statehood in 1796.
Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
Tipton-Haynes preserves frontier and antebellum buildings tied to the 1788 Battle of the State of Franklin between John Tipton and John Sevier.
CemeteriesSample data for demonstration
Monte Vista Memorial Park
Earliest known burial: 1900s
Johnson City–area cemetery in continued use.
Old Jonesborough Cemetery
Earliest known burial: 1780s
Burial ground of Tennessee's oldest town, with State of Franklin–era graves.
Contribute to Washington County's Story
Spotted a damaged marker? Know of a cemetery that needs documenting? Have a historic place to share? Your submission enters the Heritage OS review queue.
Report a Marker Issue
Spotted a damaged, missing, or incorrectly placed historical marker? Let THC know. Your report enters the review queue.
Submit a Cemetery
Know of a cemetery that should be documented? Submit it for the county record. Your submission enters the review queue.
Submit a Historic Place
Know of a historic building, site, or structure worth documenting? Submit it for the county record. Your submission enters the review queue.
Every county has a story.