Washington, PA

Just 22 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, Washington seems like a world away. The small city of about 15,000 serves as the county seat of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and boasts historic buildings, a refurbished downtown, a landmark college, an economic growth program and a 255-acre woodland park.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Downtown Washington centers around a magnificent county courthouse built in 1900; plans are underway to restore other period buildings to revitalize the area. The Uptown Theater, a 1930s movie palace now presents live shows. Downtown is very walkable, with plenty of shops and restaurants, and a weekly farmers market in the warm months.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The city of Washington supports many diverse businesses including construction, finance and insurance, public administration and industries that specialize in metal and metal products. Some of the major companies and organizations located in the city are the Washington Hospital, Washington & Jefferson College, and the Chapman Corp.Washington is currently undergoing a $14 million project designed to improve the downtown area with retail businesses, an 80-room hotel, an 850-car parking garage, an outdoor park and an amphitheater.

BEST BETS

• Washington and Jefferson College is the oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains. With a 22-acre campus and modern expansions, the school (which became co-educational in 1970) currently serves an enrollment of about 1,200 students.
• CONSOL Energy Park is a 5,000-seat stadium that is home to minor league baseball's Washington Wild Things. The stadium, built in 2002, also hosts performances by well-known artists and musicians.
• The Bradford House, built circa 1788 and listed on the National Registry of Historic Homes, is called the finest 18th-century home in Washington County. This home was owned by David Bradford, who was at the heart of the Great Whiskey Rebellion. Every year from April through December, the beautiful historic home showcasing period furnishings and an 18th-century garden is open to the public. Many events and special activities are held there throughout the year as well.
• The LeMoyne House was the home of prominent abolitionist Dr. Francis LeMoyne. Built in 1798, the home was a stop on the Underground Railroad, harboring runaway slaves during the Civil War. LeMoyne House is an important stop on the Civil War tour. The house is filled with artifacts of that era and has been made into a museum.
• Quaker Ridge Winery is a family-run winery that has won more than 20 awards since 1993. A wide variety of wines are available, from fruity dessert wines to dry reds.
• The Meadows Racetrack and Casino features harness racing and off-track wagering facilities. Formerly known as one of Pennsylvania's best-kept secrets, the Meadows Racetrack recently hosted the Adios Pace for the Orchids, Pennsylvania's highest-stake race. The Meadows Casino is open 24 hours a day and features an upscale restaurant.

FAMILY FUN

With approximately 6,000 acres of parkland, Washington County affords many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. Following are a few of the most noteworthy:

• Washington Park has 235 acres of woodland trails, an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool with a water slide, tennis courts and pavilion areas.

• Indian Run Golf Club offers United States Golf Association sand-based bent grass on three courses. There is also a clubhouse, a pro shop and golf carts programmed with GPS.

• Cross Creek Park is the place to go for those who love to fish: This 3,500-acre park has a 258-acre fishing lake. There are also picnic and playground areas and specially designated fishing docks for people with special needs. Hunting is permitted as well.

EVENTS

• Covered Bridge Festival is held each September. The festival showcases different bridge sites each year, as well as crafts, food and entertainment. There are 21 covered bridges located throughout Washington County, each with its own unique design and history. These bridges offer an interesting glimpse of what life was like when these historic landmarks were built.
• Washington County Agricultural Fair takes place in August each year. It is one of the nation's oldest agricultural fairs, begun in 1798 as a way for farmers to exhibit their cows and sheep. Today, the annual event is held at the Washington County Agricultural Fair and Expo Center and hosts competitions such as tractor pulls, entertainment, and education about farming and farm machinery.
• Trolleys and Toy Trains is held by the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum every year from November to January. Visitors take scenic rides on seasonally decorated trolleys to see an impressive Lionel toy train layout. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum also hosts a Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival and other events throughout the year.

FUN FACTS

• Washington was originally called simply "Catfish," a nickname derived from that of Chief Tangooqua of the Native American Delaware nation. Washington County later became the first U.S. county to be named in honor of George Washington.
• The Washington area was at the center of "The Great Whiskey Rebellion" of 1781, one of the first uprisings against the fledgling U.S. government.
• The United States has only a dozen colleges and universities older than Washington and Jefferson College - and the school's administration building, built in 1793, is one of the 10 oldest college structures still in use today.