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‘What makes Washington special?’

Kalen McCain

Mar. 20, 2025 11:53 am

A sign directs cars coming into Washington toward some of the city's more popular attractions. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
A sign directs cars coming into Washington toward some of the city's more popular attractions. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
CP 2816, also known as "The Empress," comes around the bend in Washington June 27, 2024, as it returns north from a continent-spanning tour celebrating the merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
CP 2816, also known as "The Empress," comes around the bend in Washington June 27, 2024, as it returns north from a continent-spanning tour celebrating the merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads. The locomotive’s whistle wailed as it steamed through Washington. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
A handful of 4-H exhibitors eagerly watch their older peers in the ring at the 2024 Washington County Fair Bucket Bottle Calf show. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
A handful of 4-H exhibitors eagerly watch their older peers in the ring at the 2024 Washington County Fair Bucket Bottle Calf show. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Hundreds of cast-iron seats were auctioned off Saturday, some of them for thousands of dollars, at the Cast Iron Seat Association's annual spring sale, on the Washington County Fairgrounds. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Hundreds of cast-iron seats were auctioned off at the Cast Iron Seat Association's annual spring sale, on the Washington County Fairgrounds. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
The pool deck was packed with guests as the Y offered tours of its new aquatic facility in December. YMCA of Washington County CEO Amy Schulte said enthusiasm was sustained even after the old indoor pool downtown shut down earlier in the year. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
A set of new miniature murals decorate a municipal parking lot in Washington. Organizers said they hoped their endeavor would spark more public art initiatives elsewhere in town. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Hungry guests were served by firefighters, city staff and other volunteers at the Washington Fire Department's annual pancake fundraiser Jan. 8. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Hungry guests were served by firefighters, city staff and other volunteers at the Washington Fire Department's annual pancake fundraiser Jan. 8. (Kalen McCain/The Union)

Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

Welcome to the 2025 Spotlight edition.

The Southeast Iowa Union is pleased to bring you its annual section that shines a light on amenities in Washington. Spotlight is a guide to help Washington residents, new and established, connect with the people, places and resources that keep the community running.

This section contains information on local officials, schools, health services, churches and parks. It’s produced by The Southeast Iowa Union, a local paper with an office at 111 N. Marion Ave. in Washington, which prints twice a week, and publishes articles online every business day.

Washington has been named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America, with plenty of perks like a thriving downtown, lively events and a relatively short drive to Iowa City. It’s designated one of the state’s “Great Places” by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, an “All-Star Community” by the Iowa League of Cities, and a winner of the Iowans Unite Community Contest. In 2024, it was named an ‘Iowa Cultural and Entertainment District,’ adding another honor to the list.

As for what makes Washington so special, the answers are about as varied as the people we asked.

For many, it’s the combination of friendly people, small-town traditions and welcoming attitudes.

“Without a doubt what makes Washington special is the people that live here,” said Joe Gaa, the new city administrator who moved to town in 2024. “They have been very welcoming to me as a newcomer and the community spirit around events like the farmer’s market and school activities is a true testament to what makes small cities great.”

For others, it’s the wide variety of events and array of activities.

“Washington provides many avenues of healthy living through entertainment and enrichment: music, theater, art, sports, education and more with many programs available to people of all ages and interests,” said Washington Performing Arts Center Committee Member Jan Gallagher. “Community members support one another and embrace diversity.”

Washington County Deputy Shawn Ellingson said he and his wife “could not have asked for a better place” to live, citing the community’s many amenities.

“The schools prepared both our kids to be successful in college and their careers. The community has continued to grow and improve over the years,” he said. “We love the Y, square and parks. We love having so much recreation, entertainment and events within traveling distance. As we look forward to the next phase of our lives, there will be lots of travel, but I see no future that Washington is not our home.”

And for countless more, Washington is special community not for any particular reason, but simply because it’s theirs.

“From the moment you move your family or business to Washington, the whole town has your back,” Main Street Washington Director Samantha Meyer said. “We look out for each other and rally together to make amazing things happen. As a community we know we're stronger together and while we're considered 'small' we accomplish mighty things. I think the caring support we receive from our neighbors, whether at work or at home is truly special.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com

Article Tags Washington County, Iowa
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