Washington County, TN
Washington County, Tennessee, which occupies 330 square miles in the northeastern sector of the state, was founded in 1777 as Washington County, North Carolina and included the entire region that eventually became Tennessee in 1796. Found here is TN's oldest town, Jonesborough, settled in 1779, which serves as the County Seat today.
If you're heading to court in Washington County, you should know that Tennessee's legal system includes four trial courts: the Circuit Courts, which, as courts of general jurisdiction handle civil and criminal matters and hear appeals from the courts with limited jurisdiction; the Chancery Courts, which exclusively hear civil cases and generally handle cases that fall outside the traditional common-law actions; the Criminal Courts, located in 13 of TN’s 31 judicial districts, which serve as relief for heavy caseloads in other courts, hearing criminal cases and misdemeanor appeals from the lower courts; and the Probate Court, which hears individual estate cases but only operates in a few districts. Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure are readily available to the public.
If you have a personal injury case in Tennessee, your claim will be heard in civil court. This Self-Help section of the TN Courts website will tell you what to expect in court. Once you’ve gone through a trial, you may have the right to appeal your personal injury case to the state’s Appeals Court or the Supreme Court. The Tennessee Court of Appeals and the Tennessee Supreme Court both convene in the cities of Jackson, Knoxville and Nashville, as required by the Tennessee State Constitution.
Washington County consists of several small communities and unincorporated areas, as well as the town of Jonesborough and Johnson City, the largest community. The 2000 Census recorded Washington County’s population as just over 107,000, with a 2007 estimate of 116,657. Johnson City’s population was just over 61,000 in 2007, showing an increase of more than 6,000 residents. Washington County is one of Tennessee’s fastest growing regions. Other communities include Watauga, Mountain Home, Fall Branch and Limestone.
Jonesborough, TN is Washington County’s premier destination for tourists and history buffs. The Heritage Alliance works hard to keep historic sites preserved, and in the 1970s performed major restoration work on the Downtown District. Held here is Music On The Square, a series of free concerts each weekend night during warm weather. Known as the storytelling capital of the world, Jonesborough hosts the National Storytelling Festival each year. Jonesborough recently constructed the first International Storytelling Center in the world, with a 14,000 square foot education building and a 200-year old country inn, all set in a 3-acre park. Live storytelling occurs here daily from May through October.
Johnson City, TN serves as the commercial and economic hub for Washington County. The Johnson City Metro Area ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Places for Business and Careers in 2007, according to Forbes Magazine, also ranking #1 for Retirement, and #2 for Golf. Johnson City is Washington County’s hub for education and medicine as well, home to Eastern Tennessee State University, which includes the John H. Quillen College of Medicine and the College of Pharmacy. Found here also is the Emmanuel School of Religion.
Washington County, Tennessee combines a proud past and a prosperous future. With stunning scenery, friendly people and affordable living costs, Washington County is a fine place to visit or make a home.
