Old Washington, Tennessee facts for kids

Old Washington (which used to be called Washington) is a small place in Rhea County, Tennessee. It's not a city or town with its own government, but it was once the main center for the county.

History of Old Washington

Old Washington was chosen to be the main town for Rhea County in 1812. This meant it was where the county government was located. The land for the town was given by David Campbell. People bought pieces of land there in May 1812.

A brick courthouse was finished in 1832. This building was very important for the county's laws and meetings. Washington was a busy place back then. It had ten stores and even its own newspaper called The Valley Freeman.

During the Civil War in 1863, the courthouse was used by soldiers as a main office.

Later, in 1880, a new train line called the Cincinnati Southern Railway was built. But it went through a different town called Dayton, not Washington. Because of this, people in Rhea County decided in 1889 to move the county's main center from Washington to Dayton.

After the county seat moved, Washington became much quieter. The old courthouse was taken down. Its bricks were even used to help build the new courthouse in Dayton.

For a long time, a boat called the Washington Ferry helped people cross the Tennessee River. It ran from 1807 until a new bridge was built in the 1990s.

Learning in Old Washington

The schools in this area are part of Rhea County Schools. The only high school for students is Rhea County High School.