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 Washington is located at the junction of the Tar and Pamlico rivers, the gateway to the second largest estuary on the East Coast, the Pamlico-Albemarle sounds. We are home to the North Carolina Estuarium, the state's only environmental education center devoted exclusively to interpreting the ecology and science of estuaries.
Washington served as a federal supply outpost during the Revolutionary War.
Twice Washington has rebuilt after devastating fires destroyed many of the city's early homes and waterfront business district. The first fires occurred during the Civil War and the second in 1900.
Washington is home to one of the largest commercial and residential historic districts in North Carolina featuring Victorian era homes and commercial buildings. Several ante-bellum structures survived the fires of 1864 and 1900.
Among the famous citizens and personalities who have called Washington home are film producer Cecil B. DeMille (The Ten Commandments), actor Murray Hamilton (The Graduate, Jaws), journalist Charles Kuralt, U.S. Congressman and first U.S. Comptroller General Lindsay Warren, U.S. Congressman Herbert Bonner, Governor Daniel Fowle, publishing magnate and diplomat Josephus Daniels, pioneering woman physician Susan Dimock, professional basketball player Dominique Wilkins, and CNN News Anchor Carl Rochelle.
In May 1993 Washington won the prestigious All-America City Award, which recognizes communities where organizations cooperate to improve the community. After receiving the award, Washington officials were honored by an invitation to meet with President Clinton at the White House and by resolutions in the N.C. General Assembly.
Because of Washington's mild climate, beautiful natural surroundings, historic setting and location near a major university and medical center (East Carolina University and School of Medicine), the area is growing in popularity as a retirement destination. | 
