Washington County, Minnesota - information, facts, communities on Key to the City

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Information & Facts about Washington County, Minnesota

Government

Washington County Website

Washington County Government Center
14949 - 62nd Street North
P.O. Box 6
Stillwater, Minnesota 55082-0006
General Information Call: 651-430-6000
(TTY: 651-430-6246)

Washington County is governed by the Board of Commissioners from the five district of the county. Their terms of office are staggered.

Population:

1850 census: 1,056
1900 census; 27,808
1950 census; 34,544
1980 census; 113,571
1990 census; 145,896
2000 census; 201,724

Location:

The county is located in eastern Minnesota. It is between the Wisconsin border and the Minneapolis-St Paul area. Surrounding counties are Chisago County to the north, Anoka County to the northwest, Ramsey County to the west, Dakota County to the southwest and south and directly east is the Mississippi River and the border with Wisconsin.

Climate:

Washington County has a seasonal climate, meaning all four seasons are represented. Snowfall in the area averages around 50 inches per year with some areas getting more and some less. Summer thunderstorms drop considerable rain during the summer months.

National Weather Service Forecast for the county

Other Facts & Figures:

Median Income: $66,305 (2000)
Per Capita Income: $35,326 (2000)

Median Age: 35.1 years

History:

The county was named for the first President of the United State, George Washington, when it was formed on 27 October 1849. It was one of the first nine original counties in the Minnesota Territory. The area was first explored by the frenchman, LeSuer in the late 1600's, but no real settlement took place until the mid 1800's. Minnesota finally became a state on 11 May 1858 with Washington County continuing as before statehood. The county seat is Stillwater.

Due to its proximity to the Twin Cities, the county has a large role in the economy of the area. There has been great population growth as well as economic expansion fanning out from the St Paul area. Most areas of the county have developed their own strong economic sectors along with the growth filtering over from the large metropolitan area nearby.

Geography:

Total area: 423.4 square miles
Total land area: 378.7 square miles

468 lakes and wetlands are in the county

The geography of the county is quite diverse. Many areas of the county have much agriculture. The St. Croix River, White Bear Lake and Forest Lake add to the beauty of the area.

Genealogy:

GenWeb page for Washington County

Libraries:

Washington county libraries

Library Administration
8595 Central Park Place
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone 651-275-8500
Fax 651-275-8509
Information 651-731-1320

Schools:

Stillwater Area Schools
1875 S Greeley St
Stillwater, MN 55082
Superintendent Phone: 651-351-8340
Fax: 651-351-8380

Economy:

Though the county is not known as an industrialized area of Minnesota, there are many prominent businesses located here beside the local businesses that gives a broad base for the county economy. Among the large corporations is Anderson Windows and the 3M Corporation.

Organizations & Groups:

Washington County Historical Society
P.O. Box 167
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: 651-439-5956

Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
106 South Main Street
PO Box 516
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 439-4001
Fax: (651) 439-4035
email: info@ilovestillwater.com

Attractions & Other Information:

Afton Historical Society Museum
3165 St. Croix Trail South
Afton, Minnesota 55001

Learn about the historic courthouse in Washington County
101 West Pine Street
Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
Telephone: 651-430-6233
Fax: 651-430-6238

Stone House Museum
Former Marine Township Hall
This house was built in 1872 from local sandstone.
Oak and Fifth Sts
Marine on St Croix, MN 55082
Phone: 651-433-2061

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This page was last updated on 11 June 2012 at 2:25 pm

This page was created on 8 June 2004