With an estimated population of 15,075, it is the largest city in Franklin County, Missouri.

It is notable for being the "corncob pipe capital of the world," with Missouri Meerschaum located on the city's riverfront.

Named after George Washington[4] after it came under American control, the town was first settled during the rule of the Spanish Empire.

It was originally called St. John Meyer's Settlement and was the site of the Spanish log fort San Juan del Misuri (1796–1803).

Family and followers of Daniel Boone settled the area across the river from Washington, Missouri starting in 1799.

In 1814 a ferry boat was licensed for crossing the Missouri River to the north, and the settlement became known as Washington Landing.

The cost of land was waived if the buyer could build a substantial house within two years.

Substantial numbers of anti-slavery German families started moving to the town in 1833, and they soon overwhelmed the existing population of slaveowners.

Washington became a strong supporter of the Union during the American Civil War.

The town was ransacked by Confederate General Sterling Price's soldiers, but they were unable to keep control of the area.

The town of Washington has 445 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Due to its historic charm, Washington has a growing heritage tourism industry, with visitors also attracted to the nearby Missouri Rhineland.

[7] The majority of annual precipitation falls during the humid springs and summers.

The 2020 United States census[11] counted 14,500 people, 5,785 households, and 3,766 families in Washington.

31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.