Washington County is a county located in the eastern side of the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,817, making it the least populous "Washington County" in the United States. The county seat is Akron. The county was named in honor of the United States President George Washington.
History
Colorado State Legislature made Washington County out of larger Weld County in 1887. In 1889, Washington County's eastern half formed Yuma County. In 1903, Arapahoe County ceded its eastern portion to Washington County to create its present form.
Like many counties in Eastern Colorado, The Great Depression affected Washington County, bringing its population down significantly. Recently growth has been stagnant.
Washington County's Eastern Colorado Roundup is home to Colorado's first home-owned carnival held on every July annually. There are activities such as rodeos, various rides, and animals to see.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (0.2%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Logan County - northeast
- Yuma County - east
- Kit Carson County - southeast
- Lincoln County - southwest
- Adams County - west
- Arapahoe County - west
- Morgan County - northwest
Major highways
- 20px Interstate 76
- 20px U.S. Highway 34
- 20px U.S. Highway 36
- 20px State Highway 59
- 20px State Highway 61
- 20px State Highway 63
- 20px State Highway 71
Trails and byways
- American Discovery Trail
- South Platte Trail