|
Washington County,
Illinois
Washington County, named
for our country’s first president, was organized in
1818 from parts of St. Clair County and spun off Clinton
County. There are just over 15,000 residents countywide.
Cities located in Washington County include Ashley,
DuBois, Hoyleton, Irvington, Nashville, Okawville, Radom
and Richview. The county seat is Nashville. It’s best
known for its “Miniature Chapel,” which is only 8 by
12 feet. Still, that doesn’t deter wannabe brides and
grooms, who come from all over the country and around
the world to be wedded there.
In Washington County, the biggest attraction, literally,
is the Washington County State Recreational Area, about
four miles south of Nashville. In 1959, the state bought
160 acres of natural area near Nashville, then continued
to purchase acreage until reaching 1,440 acres. In 1960,
the Department of Natural Resources constructed a long,
thin, 248-acre lake in the park, ideal for fishing and
boating. The park also has seven groves for picnics,
with drinking water and playground equipment. For
hikers, there is a 14-mile trail.
Other things to do in the Nashville area include golfing
and, shortly after the 4th of July, the county fair. In
nearby Okawville, visitors can experience the “Little
Hot Springs of Illinois,” a naturally occurring
mineral spring and spa.
<< Back
to Community Page
|
