About Us
WASHINGTON
A Little Washington History
Washington may be a small town, but we have never lacked a good story.
Our community sits about ten miles northwest of Purcell along State Highway 24. The Washington post office was officially approved on May 10, 1904 although it was not originally located where the town stands today. The first post office was roughly three miles west and one mile north of present-day Washington, an area now known as “Old” Washington.
As for the name, the official version says Postmaster John Randolph Kerr considered the names Washington, Madison, and Van Buren apparently giving former presidents a chance to compete for the honor. Local legend offers a more colorful explanation: Washington may have been named for the Caddo chief “Little Boy” George Washington, who had lived in the area. Around here, we appreciate both versions and are happy to let history keep a little mystery.
A Town on the Tracks
Washington began taking its present shape in 1907, when the Oklahoma Central Railway came through McClain County. Hiram Turner and his wife, Daisy Willis, worked to have restrictions removed from tribal allotment land east of their farm so a townsite could be created.
Their request was approved on Christmas Eve December 24, 1907 and Washington became the first Oklahoma community after statehood to have tribal land restrictions removed for townsite development. That is a pretty big historical footnote for a town that still knows the value of a good neighbor, a quiet road, and keeping things moving.
The post office moved to the new townsite, and before long Washington had the things a growing community needed: a bank, cotton gins, a hotel, a lumberyard, and plenty of people willing to build something from the ground up.
Washington Today
Washington grew from an agricultural community into the close-knit town we know today. While the town has changed over the years, the spirit behind it has not: people here work hard, take care of one another, and believe a small town can still do big things.
Today, Washington is home to more than 670 residents and continues to grow while holding onto the character that makes it special. We are proud of our history, thankful for the people who built this community, and excited about the next chapter.
After all, we have been figuring things out since 1904 and we are still doing just fine
As an organization, the Town of Washington, with the guidance of a committee of residents, business owners, and elected officials, adopted the following guiding principles.
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Vision |
Washington is a friendly, proud community with abundant opportunity and a high quality of life. |
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Mission |
In partnership with our community, the Town of Washington strives for excellence in public service by maintaining the safety and beauty of our Town and fostering respectful accountability. |
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Values |
Willingness |
We are creative with new ideas, honor diverse viewpoints, seize opportunities, and are ready to step out of our comfort zone. |
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Accountability |
We take full responsibility for our actions and outcomes, ensuring trust and integrity in all we do. |
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Resilience |
We embrace challenges with determination, adapting and thriving in the face of adversity. |
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Respect |
We value each individual, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and inclusivity. |
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Independence |
We believe in the power of self-reliance and personal freedom, and we create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow, lead, and achieve their full potential. |
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Open Communication |
We prioritize transparency and honesty, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and understood. |
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Relationships |
We build strong, trusting connections that foster collaboration, mutual support, and long-term success. |
old bridge