Washington
County Utah
History and Genealogy
Introduction
This site is to assist you in your research of the
history
and genealogy of Washington County located in the southwest corner of
Utah. I have coordinated this county's website since 1996 as a
part of the USGenWeb
Project.
We
have some wonderful databases here to help you in your
research. I am so grateful for the generosity of the good people who've
allowed us to publish their findings here including Dr. Wesley W.
Craig, Abram O. Young Jr., Roberta Blake Barnum and all who have
donated
histories of their ancestors. -Cindy
Burgess Alldredge
Washington
County is
located in the southwestern corner of Utah. The county was formed on
March 3, 1852 by an act of the territorial legislature. It was named
for George Washington. Harmony, one of the only settlements in the area
at that time, was appointed as the first county seat. The first
boundaries of Washington County stretched nearly 600 miles - the entire
width of the territory. As the territory became more settled the county
boundaries changed several times and the county seat was later changed
to St. George. Washington county achieved its present shape and size
(2,422
square miles) in 1892. Washington County is bordered by Iron County to
the north, Kane County to the east, Nevada to the west, and Arizona to
the south. Most of the early residents of the county were Mormon
Pioneers and the area was agricultural. Today, Washington County is one
of the fastest growing areas of the country. People are migrating there
now to enjoy the mild winter climate, beautiful scenery, and
comfortable lifestyle. Washington County is growing rapidly in
population. According to the 1990 census the population of Washington
County was 48,560 while the population in the 2000 census was 90,354.
The 2009 population estimate was 137,473, the 2010 census data will be
released in February 2011. Washington County's economy is now based
upon education, retail, health services,
manufacturing, tourism. -CBA
County Databases - on this site
County Research Links
Utah Research Links