Washington County, named for our country’s first president, was organized in 1818 from parts of St. Clair County and spun off Clinton County. There are just over 15,000 residents countywide.

Cities located in Washington County include Ashley, DuBois, Hoyleton, Irvington, Nashville, Okawville, Radom and Richview. The county seat is Nashville. It’s best known for its “Miniature Chapel,” which is only 8 by 12 feet. Still, that doesn’t deter wannabe brides and grooms, who come from all over the country and around the world to be wedded there.

In Washington County, the biggest attraction, literally, is the Washington County State Recreational Area, about four miles south of Nashville. In 1959, the state bought 160 acres of natural area near Nashville, then continued to purchase acreage until reaching 1,440 acres. In 1960, the Department of Natural Resources constructed a long, thin, 248-acre lake in the park, ideal for fishing and boating. The park also has seven groves for picnics, with drinking water and playground equipment. For hikers, there is a 14-mile trail.

Other things to do in the Nashville area include golfing and, shortly after the 4th of July, the county fair. In nearby Okawville, visitors can experience the “Little Hot Springs of Illinois,” a naturally occurring mineral spring and spa.