Washington County was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It later became part of Nebraska and Kansas Territories. In 1861, it was part of Weld and Arapahoe Counties.
In the early 1880’s, Weld County occupied all of northeastern Colorado which served as a vast open range, primarily for three cattle companies – John Iliff’s, Jared L. Brush’s and Bruce Johnson’s 22 Ranch which covered most of present day Washington and Yuma Counties., Homesteaders objected to the vast distance to the county seat in Greeley and in 1884 submitted a petition to divide Weld County in half with the eastern half to constitute Iliff County. The cattle barons roared in protest of the petition and nothing came of the 1884 effort to break up Weld County into small counties.
An act of the Colorado General Assembly created Washington County, named for the “Father of his Country” (George Washington) on February 9, 1887. In 1889, Yuma County was taken from the eastern half of Washington county. In 1903, the current boundaries were established.
Incorporated towns in Washington County are Akron and Otis. Unincorporated communities include: Anton, Cope, Last Chance, Lindon Otis, Platner and Woodrow.
The highest point of elevation in the county is 5433 feet situated at the Washington-Lincoln County line 11.8 miles south of Last Chance on Hwy 71 and 2.2 miles east on County Road 0, The lowest point of elevation in the county is in the far northeastern corner at 3913 feet just north of county road 54 east of Lone Star.
Washington County is the 12th most extensive of the 64 counties of the State of Colorado with a total of 2524 square miles. Most of the land is dedicated to farming and ranching. The county has been a leader of all the Colorado counties in wheat production., Other crops grown are corn, oats, and millet.
Washington County is strategically located in the center of Northeastern Colorado. Major highways include: Interstate Highway I- 76, U.S. Highways 34 and 36, State Highways 61, 63 and 71. The County is within 115 miles of Denver and has quick access to U.S. trade routes. Most of the land is dedicated to family farming and ranching.
Population is approximately 4,814. Akron is the County Seat and is also home to the Washington County Museum, Colorado Plains Regional Airport, Washington County Golf Course, Washington County Fairgrounds and Events Center with the first home-owned carnival in Colorado. Akron and the surrounding towns offer quality of life without the hustle and bustle of the city. A perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and get back to the basics of life, our County captures the honesty and determination of rural people and their families.