Washington

Formed June 1, 1792 (12^th county)

Washington County (12,028), Springfield (2,848)                

A red brick Federalist facility was constructed in 1816 and remodeled in 1918.  The courthouse was enlarged in 1840 and 1940.  It is situated on Main Street at Main Cross Street.  Main Street is United States Highway 150 in the town.  The architect is Thomas H. Letcher.  The courthouse has veteran memorials.  Washington had the earlier courthouse in 1794 with Springfield also having the 1797 courthouse.  A Justice Center was added in 2008 and features a statue of Abraham Lincoln.  Washington County was established on June 1, 1792 from Jefferson County as the 12^th county.  It is named for President George Washington.  He is also the namesake of the county seat of Scott County.  Springfield is named for local springs.  Washington County was the birthplace of 1 Kentucky Governor, Charles A. Wickliffe. 

Washington County government consists of a sheriff, County Judge Executive, and 6 Magistrates.  Two Circuit Court Judges and Two District Court Judges serve Washington, Green, Marion, and Taylor counties.  The county is sited in central Kentucky.  Louisville, Kentucky is northwest and Lexington, Kentucky is northeast of the county.  The county center is 8.3 miles Northeast of Springfield.  The county is surrounded clockwise by Anderson, Mercer, Boyle, Marion, and Nelson counties. 

The area of the county is 301 square miles.  It is 65 out of 120 in the state.  It ranks 91 out of 120 in population in the state.  It has a density of 40.0 persons per square mile making it 85 out of 120 in the state.  Washington County has 27.9% of its population in its incorporated areas.  United States Highway 150 crosses the county from northwest to southeast from Nelson County to Boyle County.  The county is a bowl of popcorn.  Springfield is in the southwest quarter of the county.  Springfield is the county seat and the largest city.  It is 23.7% of the county population.