Washington County

Why this county matters

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.

The record at a glance

Story themes

Featured historical markers

• 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.

THC program connections

• Survey & Inventoryfederal

  THC maintains the statewide inventory of historic resources — the foundation for National Register nominations, planning, and protection.

• Historical Markersstate

  THC places and maintains historical markers across Tennessee's 95 counties to commemorate people, places, and events of statewide significance.

• Cemeteriesstate

  THC documents and helps protect Tennessee's historic cemeteries, including abandoned and African American burial grounds.

• National Register of Historic Placesfederal

  As Tennessee's SHPO, THC administers the National Register — the nation's official list of places worth preserving. Tennessee has 2,000+ entries, at least one in every county.