History of

Washington, IL


Washington Bicentennial

Celebrating 200 Years in 2025


William Holland founded Washington in 1825


Click here for his story

William Holland came from Fort Clark (Peoria) and founded Washington in 1825. He built a cabin in the wooded area near a spring to the southwest of what is today St. Mark’s Church.

William Holland supported himself as a blacksmith for Native Americans and settlers.

William Holland was successful and built a home near the current intersection of South Main and West Holland Street.

Other settlers started arriving in 1826.