Washington County

Washington County was created from Frederick County in 1776 and was named in honor of George Washington. The topography of the county is characterized by rolling hills to the east and mountains to the west. Forty-nine percent of the county’s 293,910 land acres are zoned for agricultural use, most of which can be found in the central and northern parts of the county.

As of 2000, more than 21,000 acres have been protected through easements and another 22,000 acres temporarily protected through Agricultural Districts. Washington County serves as a major industrial and transportation hub. Its access to highway and rail service provides easy market access and distribution.

The population in 2000 was 131,923 and is projected to increase to 160,500 by 2015.