From its establishment in 1824, Washington was an important stop on the rugged Southwest Trail for pioneers traveling to Texas.

Frontiersmen and national heroes James Bowie, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett all traveled through Washington en route to the Alamo.

[6] During the War with Mexico, beginning in 1846, Washington became a rally point for volunteer troops on their way to serve with the US Army.

Following the construction of the Cairo and Fulton railroad eight miles to the south of Washington, which connected much of the state with Little Rock, the town began a slow decline.

U.S. Route 278 passes through Washington as Columbus Street, leading southeast to Hope and northwest 19 miles (31 km) to Nashville.

Arkansas Highway 195 has its northern terminus in Washington and leads southwest 14 miles (23 km) to Fulton on the Red River.

[citation needed] According to the United States Census Bureau, Washington has a total area of 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2), all land.

[11] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.