Washington County, Illinois
Washington County is in southern Illinois, and it’s pure heartland. It’s the kind of place where you can hear a train whistle from miles away.
Nashville—not that Nashville—serves as the county seat. It’s a small town with a big courthouse square. Approximately 15,000 people live in the county, making it one of the smaller counties in the state.
There’s a strong German heritage in parts of the county, visible in the town names and local festivals. The county was named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Washington County |
| County Seat | Nashville |
| Etymology | Named in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Nashville, Hoyleton, Okawville, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 50, Illinois Route 127 |
| FIPS Code | 17-189 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 726 square miles (land: 710 sq mi, water: 16 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Clinton County (North), Marion County (Northeast), Jefferson County (East), Perry County (South), Randolph County (Southwest), St. Clair County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 15,500 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.4141° N, 89.3313° W |
| Major Landmarks | Washington County Courthouse, Nashville Memorial Park, and the Red Bud Historic District |
