1903
One year after the first car appeared in Washington, Washington saw its first citizen-owned vehicle, as per the Washington newspaper:
"Mr Lanphear, the Chicago & Alton engineer who is living here, has bought an automobile which he is having repaired and painted at W.H. Long & Sons' shop. It is of 5 horse-power and is said to be capable of a speed of 60 miles per hour."
The gradual introduction and eventual flooding of automobiles in the city transformed the business landscape, eliminating liverys, buggy shops, & stable shops, replacing them with garages, car dealerships, and gas stations. It also accelerated the paving of roads.
1903 also saw an explosion of development in the Highland Park area of town, along and north of Jefferson Street hill.
Daniel Chaffer, Republican, was elected Mayor of the town, defeating Democrat John Wrenn.
Washington High School organizes its first basketball team.