History

County History

Washington County, Virginia was formed in 1777 from
Fincastle County. It is the second oldest geographic
territory named for George Washington. The present
courthouse was built in 1869. There are no records in
Washington County before 1777, except a very few copies
of land grants.

There were no permanent settlers in Washington County
as early as 1750.

Birth records or death records in Washington County do
not exist prior to 1853. The Commonwealth did not require
these records to be kept before this date.

Marriages recorded in Washington County do not exist
prior to 1781. There are no early marriage bonds, as
these were burned along with the courthouse during the
Civil War.

Marriages taken from church records, 1781 - 1853, list
only the name of the bride, groom and minister. Sometimes
even the date of the marriage is omitted. No names of
parents, bondsmen, place of birth, ages, etc. are given.
After 1853, more information may be found.

Deeds begin in 1778, wills and estate records in 1777 and
fee books in 1787.

There are no Chancery or Law Orders prior to 1831. Court
Orders can be found in Court Minutes, which began in
1777.