The settlement at the current location of the city was founded in the 1770s by James Bonner on his land and was known as Forks of the Tar.
In 1776, it was renamed Washington.
During the American Revolutionary War, Washington served as a supply port while all major neighboring ports were under British siege.

Washington was attacked by the Union Army during the American Civil War, until shelling by Confederates ships from the Tar River forced the Union soldiers out.
Both Union and Confederate soldiers burned many buildings as they retreated.

The Bank of Washington, West End Branch, Beaufort County Courthouse, Bowers-Tripp House, North Market Street Historic District, Rosedale, Washington Historic District, and Zion Episcopal Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The settlement at the current location of the city was founded in the 1770s by James Bonner on his land and was known as Forks of the Tar. In 1776, it was renamed Washington. During the American Revolutionary War, Washington served as a supply port while all major neighboring ports were under British siege.
Washington was attacked by the Union Army during the American Civil War, until shelling by Confederates ships from the Tar River forced the Union soldiers out. Both Union and Confederate soldiers burned many buildings as they retreated.
The Bank of Washington, West End Branch, Beaufort County Courthouse, Bowers-Tripp House, North Market Street Historic District, Rosedale, Washington Historic District, and Zion Episcopal Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Washington, North Carolina