Washington County, Missouri
Encyclopedia
Washington County is a county located in East Central Missouri
in the United States
. As of the 2010 U.S. Census
, the county's population was 25,195. The largest city and county seat
is Potosi
. The county was officially organized on August 21, 1813, and was named in honor of George Washington
, the first President of the United States
.
or higher while 7.5% holds a bachelor's degree
or higher as their highest educational attainment.
of 2000, there were 23,344 people, 8,406 households, and 6,237 families residing in the county. The population density
was 31 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 9,894 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.47% White, 2.48% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races
, and 1.08% from two or more races. Approximately 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 8,406 households out of which 36.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% were married couples
living together, 10.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.80% were non-families. 22.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.60% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,001, and the median income for a family was $38,193. Males had a median income of $27,871 versus $18,206 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,095. About 17.10% of families and 20.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.40% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or older.
with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Washington County who adhere to a religion are Roman Catholics (36.73%), Southern Baptists
(21.74%), and Baptist Missionary Association of America
(16.86%).
of the Missouri Department of Corrections is located in an unincorporated area
in the county. The prison houses male death row
inmates.
Washington County is divided into two legislative districts in the Missouri House of Representatives
.
In the Missouri Senate
, all of Washington County is a part of Missouri's 3rd District and is currently represented by State Senator
Kevin Engler (R-Farmington
). In 2008, Engler defeated Dennis Riche (D) 58.72-41.28 percent in the district. The 3rd Senatorial District consists of Carter
, Iron
, Reynolds
, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Washington counties, and parts of Jefferson County
.
, Washington County is represented by Jo Ann Emerson
(R-Cape Girardeau) who represents all of Southeast Missouri as part of Missouri's 8th Congressional District.
At the presidential level, Washington County is a fairly independent-leaning or battleground county although it does has a tendency to often lean Democratic. While George W. Bush
carried Washington County in 2004
, he narrowly lost the county to Al Gore
in 2000
, and both times the margins of victory were significantly closer than in many of the other rural areas. Bill Clinton
also carried Washington County both times in 1992
and 1996
by convincing double-digit margins, and unlike most of the other rural counties in Missouri, Washington County was one of only nine counties in Missouri that favored Barack Obama
over John McCain
. Obama won Washington County by just five votes in the 2008
election.
Like most rural areas throughout Missouri, voters in Washington County generally adhere to socially and culturally conservative
principles but are more moderate or populist
on economic issues, typical of the Dixiecrat
philosophy. In 2004, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman
—it overwhelmingly passed Washington County with 81.37 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters as Missouri became the first state to ban same-sex marriage
. In 2006, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state
—it failed in Washington County with 56.48 percent voting against the measure. The initiative narrowly passed the state with 51 percent of support from voters as Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to approve embryonic stem cell research
. Despite Washington County’s longstanding tradition of supporting socially conservative platforms, voters in the county have a penchant for advancing populist
causes like increasing the minimum wage
. In 2006, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition B) to increase the minimum wage in the state to $6.50 an hour—it passed Washington County with 81.47 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 75.94 percent voting in favor as the minimum wage was increased to $6.50 an hour in the state. During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. As of the 2010 U.S. Census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
, the county's population was 25,195. The largest city and county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Potosi
Potosi, Missouri
Potosi is a city in Washington County, Missouri, United States. Potosi is about 10 miles north of Belgrade. The estimated population in July 2008 was 2,698. It was 2,662 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washington County...
. The county was officially organized on August 21, 1813, and was named in honor of George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, the first President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
.
History
Frenchmen Renault and La Motte toured the area near present-day Potosi in 1722-23. No permanent settlement was made until 1763, when Francis Breton settled near Potosi and began to operate a mine bearing his name. The Bellview Valley, near Caledonia and Belgrade, was settled in 1802 by Annanias McCoy, Benjamin Crow, and Robert Reed. Eventually, Washington County was officially organized on August 21, 1813, out of Ste. Genevieve County.Education
Of adults 25 years of age and older in Washington County, 62.5% possesses a high school diplomaHigh school diploma
A high school diploma is a diploma awarded for the completion of high school. In the United States and Canada, it is considered the minimum education required for government jobs and higher education. An equivalent is the GED.-Past diploma styles:...
or higher while 7.5% holds a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
or higher as their highest educational attainment.
Public Schools
- Kingston K-XIV School District - CadetCadet, MissouriCadet is an unincorporated community in Union Township in eastern Washington County, Missouri, United States. It is located on Route 47 about northeast of Potosi. The origin of its name is unknown. Cadet was founded in 1857 when the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway was built.-...
- Kingston Elementary School (PK-05)
- Kingston Middle School (06-08)
- Kingston High School (09-12)
- Potosi R-III School District - PotosiPotosi, MissouriPotosi is a city in Washington County, Missouri, United States. Potosi is about 10 miles north of Belgrade. The estimated population in July 2008 was 2,698. It was 2,662 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washington County...
- Potosi Pre-School (PK)
- Potosi Elementary School (PK-03)
- Trojan Intermediate School (04-06)
- John A. Evans Middle School (07-08)
- Potosi High School (09-12)
- Richwoods R-VII School District - RichwoodsRichwoods, MissouriRichwoods is an unincorporated community in northern Washington County, Missouri, United States founded in 1830. It is located just off Route 47 about fifteen miles west of De Soto and nineteen miles south of St. Clair.- 911 :...
- Richwoods Elementary School (PK-08)
- Valley R-VI School District - CaledoniaCaledonia, MissouriCaledonia is a village in Washington County, Missouri, United States. The population was 158 at the 2000 census. The village was founded in 1819 and is named after the Roman Empire's Latin name for Scotland...
/ BelgradeBelgrade, MissouriBelgrade is an unincorporated community in south central Washington County, Missouri, United States. It is located on Missouri Supplemental Route C about six miles west of Caledonia and ten miles south of Potosi. The community was founded in 1876 and was named after Belgrade in Serbia. Belgrade...
-
-
- Valley Elementary School (K-6) - CaledoniaCaledonia, MissouriCaledonia is a village in Washington County, Missouri, United States. The population was 158 at the 2000 census. The village was founded in 1819 and is named after the Roman Empire's Latin name for Scotland...
- Valley Elementary School (K-6) - Caledonia
-
- Valley High School (07-12)- CaledoniaCaledonia, MissouriCaledonia is a village in Washington County, Missouri, United States. The population was 158 at the 2000 census. The village was founded in 1819 and is named after the Roman Empire's Latin name for Scotland...
-
Private Schools
- St. Joachim Elementary School - CadetCadet, MissouriCadet is an unincorporated community in Union Township in eastern Washington County, Missouri, United States. It is located on Route 47 about northeast of Potosi. The origin of its name is unknown. Cadet was founded in 1857 when the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway was built.-...
- (PK-08) - Roman CatholicRoman Catholic ChurchThe Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
Colleges & Universities
- Mineral Area College Annex - PotosiPotosi, MissouriPotosi is a city in Washington County, Missouri, United States. Potosi is about 10 miles north of Belgrade. The estimated population in July 2008 was 2,698. It was 2,662 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washington County...
- A satellite campus of Mineral Area College-Park HillsPark Hills, MissouriPark Hills is a city in St. Francois County, Missouri, United States. The population was estimated at 8,851 in 2008. It was 7,861 at the 2000 census.-History:...
.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 762.46 square miles (1,974.8 km²), of which 759.59 square miles (1,967.3 km²) (or 99.62%) is land and 2.87 square miles (7.4 km²) (or 0.38%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Franklin CountyFranklin County, MissouriFranklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Missouri on the south side of the Missouri River. Franklin County is part of the St. Louis Metro Area and contains many of the St. Louis exurbs. Census 2010 put the population at 101,492; making it the 10th most populous county in Missouri....
(north) - Jefferson CountyJefferson County, MissouriJefferson County is a county located in East Central Missouri in the United States. The county was included as the mean center of U.S. population in 1980. It is the sixth most-populous county in Missouri. Census 2010 put the population at 218,733 Its county seat is Hillsboro. The county was...
(northeast) - St. Francois County (east)
- Iron CountyIron County, MissouriIron County is a county located in the Lead Belt region in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 10,697. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 9,918. The largest city and county seat is Ironton...
(south) - Crawford CountyCrawford County, Missouri-State:In the Missouri House of Representatives, most of Crawford County is included within the 150th Legislative District and is currently represented by State Representative Jason T. Smith . In 2008, Smith defeated Democratic challenger James D. Ellis 69.97-30.03 percent; the Crawford County...
(west)
Primary State Highways
- Route 8. Hopewell-Potosi
- Route 21. Cadet-Potosi-Caledonia
- Route 32. Caledonia-Bismarck
- Route 47. Lonedell-Richwoods-Blackwell
- Route 104. Blackwell
- Route 185. Sullivan-Ebo-Potosi
Secondary State Highways
- State Route A. Richwoods-Sullivan
- State Route AA. Shirley
- State Route BB. Belgrade
- State Route C. Belgrade-Viburnum
- State Route CC. Blackwell
- State Route DD. Belgrade
- State Route E. Potosi-Cadet-Blackwell
- State Route EE. Sullivan
- State Route F. Potosi
- State Route H. Richwoods-Fletcher
- State Route JJ. Belgrade
- State Route M. Irondale
- State Route N. Sullivan
- State Route o. Mineral Point
- State Route P. Belgrade-Potosi
- State Route T. Richwoods
- State Route U. Irondale-Mineral Point
- State Route W. Bourbon
- State Route WW. Fletcher
- State Route N. Bourbon
- State Route Y. Viburnum-Belgrade-Berryman
- State Route Z. Belgrade
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 23,344 people, 8,406 households, and 6,237 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 31 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 9,894 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.47% White, 2.48% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.08% from two or more races. Approximately 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 8,406 households out of which 36.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.80% were non-families. 22.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.60% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,001, and the median income for a family was $38,193. Males had a median income of $27,871 versus $18,206 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $16,095. About 17.10% of families and 20.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.40% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or older.
Cities and towns
|
Courtois, Missouri Courtois is an unincorporated community in southwestern Washington County, Missouri, United States. It is located about 12 miles southwest of Belgrade. Its post office is closed and mail now comes from Steelville or Belgrade. The community is named after an unidentified settler, as is a nearby... Irondale, Missouri Irondale is a city in Washington County, Missouri, United States. The population was 455 at the 2008 estimated census.-Geography:Irondale is located at .... Mineral Point, Missouri Mineral Point is a village in Washington County, Missouri, United States. The population was estimated at 385 in July 2008. It was 363 at the 2000 census, at which time it was a town.-Geography:Mineral Point is located at .... |
Potosi, Missouri Potosi is a city in Washington County, Missouri, United States. Potosi is about 10 miles north of Belgrade. The estimated population in July 2008 was 2,698. It was 2,662 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washington County... |
Richwoods, Missouri Richwoods is an unincorporated community in northern Washington County, Missouri, United States founded in 1830. It is located just off Route 47 about fifteen miles west of De Soto and nineteen miles south of St. Clair.- 911 :... Tiff, Missouri Tiff is an unincorporated community in eastern Washington County, Missouri, United States. It is located about eight miles northeast of Potosi. It was named for the barite ore found here, also known as "tiff".... |
Townships
|
|
Religion
According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), Washington County is a part of the Bible BeltBible Belt
Bible Belt is an informal term for a region in the southeastern and south-central United States in which socially conservative evangelical Protestantism is a significant part of the culture and Christian church attendance across the denominations is generally higher than the nation's average.The...
with evangelical Protestantism being the majority religion. The most predominant denominations among residents in Washington County who adhere to a religion are Roman Catholics (36.73%), Southern Baptists
Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
(21.74%), and Baptist Missionary Association of America
Baptist Missionary Association of America
The Baptist Missionary Association of America is a fellowship of autonomous Baptist churches for the purpose of benevolence, Christian education, and missions....
(16.86%).
Government and infrastructure
The Potosi Correctional CenterPotosi Correctional Center
Potosi Correctional Center is a Missouri Department of Corrections prison located in unincorporated Washington County, Missouri, near Potosi. The facility currently houses 800 capital punishment, maximum security and high-risk male inmates....
of the Missouri Department of Corrections is located in an unincorporated area
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
in the county. The prison houses male death row
Death row
Death row signifies the place, often a section of a prison, that houses individuals awaiting execution. The term is also used figuratively to describe the state of awaiting execution , even in places where no special facility or separate unit for condemned inmates exists.After individuals are found...
inmates.
Local
| Office | Incumbent | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Assessor | Charlotte Boyer | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
| Circuit Clerk | Patti Coleman Boyer | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Clerk | Jenny Allen | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
| Collector | Michael P. McGirl | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
| Presiding Commissioner | Marvin Wright | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
| Commissioner – District 1 | Todd Moyers | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Commissioner – District 2 | Randy O’Neail | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Coroner | Brian DeClue | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Prosecuting Attorney | John D. Rupp, Jr. | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Public Administrator | Janet Drummond | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Recorder | Judy Cresswell Moyers | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Sheriff | Andy Skiles | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Surveyor | R. Timothy Daugherty | Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
| Treasurer | Phyllis Long | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
State
| Year | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Third Parties Third party (United States) The term third party is used in the United States for any and all political parties in the United States other than one of the two major parties . The term can also refer to independent politicians not affiliated with any party at all and to write-in candidates.The United States has had a... |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Missouri gubernatorial election, 2008 -Polling:-Results:-See also:* U.S. gubernatorial elections, 2008* Missouri gubernatorial election, 2004* Missouri Lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2008-External links:* from the Missouri Secretary of State* at Project Vote Smart... |
31.08% 2,993 | 67.05% 6,456 | 1.87% 180 |
| 2004 Missouri gubernatorial election, 2004 The 2004 Missouri gubernatorial election took place on 2 November 2004 for the post of Governor of Missouri. Missouri Secretary of State Republican Matt Blunt defeated State Auditor Democrat Claire McCaskill... |
50.37% 4,622 | 47.87% 4,393 | 1.76% 162 |
| 2000 | 42.93% 3,536 | 49.90% 4,110 | 7.17% 591 |
| 1996 | 39.69% 3,097 | 57.77% 4,508 | 2.54% 198 |
Washington County is divided into two legislative districts in the Missouri House of Representatives
Missouri House of Representatives
The Missouri House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Missouri General Assembly. It has 163 members, representing districts with an average size of 31,000 residents. House members are elected for two-year terms during general elections held in even-numbered years.In 1992 Missouri...
.
- District 110 - Currently represented by Ben Harris (D-HillsboroHillsboro, MissouriHillsboro is a city in Jefferson County, Missouri, United States. The estimated population as of 2008 is 2,062. The population was 1,675 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Jefferson County.- Origin of name :...
) and consists of the northern parts of the county and includes Potosi and Mineral Point.
- District 152 - Currently represented by Paul Fitzwater (R-PotosiPotosi, MissouriPotosi is a city in Washington County, Missouri, United States. Potosi is about 10 miles north of Belgrade. The estimated population in July 2008 was 2,698. It was 2,662 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washington County...
) and consists of the southern parts of the county and includes Caledonia and Irondale.
In the Missouri Senate
Missouri Senate
The Missouri State Senate is the upper chamber of the Missouri General Assembly. It has 34 members, representing districts with an average population of 160,000...
, all of Washington County is a part of Missouri's 3rd District and is currently represented by State Senator
Missouri Senate
The Missouri State Senate is the upper chamber of the Missouri General Assembly. It has 34 members, representing districts with an average population of 160,000...
Kevin Engler (R-Farmington
Farmington, Missouri
Farmington is a city in St. Francois County located south of St. Louis in the Lead Belt region in Missouri in the United States. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population was 16,240. It is the county seat of St. Francois County. The Farmington Micropolitan Statistical Area embraces St...
). In 2008, Engler defeated Dennis Riche (D) 58.72-41.28 percent in the district. The 3rd Senatorial District consists of Carter
Carter County, Missouri
Carter County is a county located in the central western portion of the Ozark Foothills Region in Southeast Missouri in the United States. The county was officially organized on March 10, 1859, and is named after Zimri A. Carter, a pioneer settler who came to Missouri from South Carolina in 1812. ...
, Iron
Iron County, Missouri
Iron County is a county located in the Lead Belt region in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 10,697. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 9,918. The largest city and county seat is Ironton...
, Reynolds
Reynolds County, Missouri
Reynolds County is a county located in the northwestern portion of the Ozark Foothills Region in Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 6,689. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 6,388. Its county seat is Centerville...
, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Washington counties, and parts of Jefferson County
Jefferson County, Missouri
Jefferson County is a county located in East Central Missouri in the United States. The county was included as the mean center of U.S. population in 1980. It is the sixth most-populous county in Missouri. Census 2010 put the population at 218,733 Its county seat is Hillsboro. The county was...
.
Federal
In the U.S. House of RepresentativesUnited States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, Washington County is represented by Jo Ann Emerson
Jo Ann Emerson
Jo Ann Emerson is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1996. The district consists of Southeast and South Central Missouri and includes the Bootheel, the Lead Belt and the Ozarks. Emerson is a member of the Republican Party....
(R-Cape Girardeau) who represents all of Southeast Missouri as part of Missouri's 8th Congressional District.
Political Culture
| Year | Republican Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... |
Democratic Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... |
Third Parties Third party (United States) The term third party is used in the United States for any and all political parties in the United States other than one of the two major parties . The term can also refer to independent politicians not affiliated with any party at all and to write-in candidates.The United States has had a... |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 48.95% 4,706 | 49.00% 4,711 | 2.05% 197 |
| 2004 | 50.57% 4,641 | 48.58% 4,459 | 0.85% 78 |
| 2000 | 48.64% 4,020 | 48.97% 4,047 | 2.39% 198 |
| 1996 | 28.78% 2,259 | 54.97% 4,315 | 16.25% 1,276 |
At the presidential level, Washington County is a fairly independent-leaning or battleground county although it does has a tendency to often lean Democratic. While George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
carried Washington County in 2004
United States presidential election, 2004
The United States presidential election of 2004 was the United States' 55th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Republican Party candidate and incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic Party candidate John Kerry, the then-junior U.S. Senator...
, he narrowly lost the county to Al Gore
Al Gore
Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
in 2000
United States presidential election, 2000
The United States presidential election of 2000 was a contest between Republican candidate George W. Bush, then-governor of Texas and son of former president George H. W. Bush , and Democratic candidate Al Gore, then-Vice President....
, and both times the margins of victory were significantly closer than in many of the other rural areas. Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
also carried Washington County both times in 1992
United States presidential election, 1992
The United States presidential election of 1992 had three major candidates: Incumbent Republican President George Bush; Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, and independent Texas businessman Ross Perot....
and 1996
United States presidential election, 1996
The United States presidential election of 1996 was a contest between the Democratic national ticket of President Bill Clinton of Arkansas and Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee and the Republican national ticket of former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas for President and former Housing Secretary Jack...
by convincing double-digit margins, and unlike most of the other rural counties in Missouri, Washington County was one of only nine counties in Missouri that favored Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
over John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
. Obama won Washington County by just five votes in the 2008
United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
election.
Like most rural areas throughout Missouri, voters in Washington County generally adhere to socially and culturally conservative
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism...
principles but are more moderate or populist
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
on economic issues, typical of the Dixiecrat
Dixiecrat
The States' Rights Democratic Party was a short-lived segregationist political party in the United States in 1948...
philosophy. In 2004, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2 (2004)
Constitutional Amendment 2 of 2004 is an amendment to the Missouri Constitution that prohibited same-sex marriages from being conducted or recognized in Missouri. The Amendment passed via public referendum on August 3, 2004 with 71% of voters supporting and 29% opposing. Every county voted in...
—it overwhelmingly passed Washington County with 81.37 percent of the vote. The initiative passed the state with 71 percent of support from voters as Missouri became the first state to ban same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
. In 2006, Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2 (2006)
Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2 is a state constitutional amendment initiative that concerns stem cell research and human cloning in Missouri...
—it failed in Washington County with 56.48 percent voting against the measure. The initiative narrowly passed the state with 51 percent of support from voters as Missouri became one of the first states in the nation to approve embryonic stem cell research
Embryonic stem cell
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, an early-stage embryo. Human embryos reach the blastocyst stage 4–5 days post fertilization, at which time they consist of 50–150 cells...
. Despite Washington County’s longstanding tradition of supporting socially conservative platforms, voters in the county have a penchant for advancing populist
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
causes like increasing the minimum wage
Minimum wage
A minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Equivalently, it is the lowest wage at which workers may sell their labour. Although minimum wage laws are in effect in a great many jurisdictions, there are differences of opinion about...
. In 2006, Missourians voted on a proposition (Proposition B) to increase the minimum wage in the state to $6.50 an hour—it passed Washington County with 81.47 percent of the vote. The proposition strongly passed every single county in Missouri with 75.94 percent voting in favor as the minimum wage was increased to $6.50 an hour in the state. During the same election, voters in five other states also strongly approved increases in the minimum wage.
Missouri Presidential Preference Primary (2008)
In the 2008 Missouri Presidential Preference Primary, voters in Washington County from both political parties supported candidates who finished in second place in the state at large and nationally.- Former U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonHillary Diane Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the...
(D-New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
) received more votes, a total of 2,345, than any candidate from either party in Washington County during the 2008 Missouri Presidential Preference Primary. She also received more votes, almost double, than the total number of votes cast in the entire Republican Primary in Washington County. Washington County was Clinton’s fifth strongest county in Missouri; she only did better in DunklinDunklin County, MissouriDunklin County is a county located in the Bootheel of Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 33,155. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 31,454. The largest city and county seat is Kennett...
, WayneWayne County, MissouriWayne County is a county located in the Ozark Foothills Region of Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the population was 13,259. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 12,652. The county seat is Greenville...
, CarterCarter County, MissouriCarter County is a county located in the central western portion of the Ozark Foothills Region in Southeast Missouri in the United States. The county was officially organized on March 10, 1859, and is named after Zimri A. Carter, a pioneer settler who came to Missouri from South Carolina in 1812. ...
and RipleyRipley County, MissouriRipley County is a county located in the Ozarks of Southeast Missouri in the United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the county's population was 13,509. A 2008 estimate, however, showed the population to be 13,485. The largest city and county seat is Doniphan...
counties.
Fire Departments
- Potosi Fire Protection District. Chief- Richard Knight
- Firemen- 25-30
- Junior Firemen- 3-7
- Potosi House#1. 313 E Jefferson St. Downtown/South County Station
- Potosi House#2 State Highway AA Sunnen Lake Station
- Potosi House#3. State Highway E. Tiff Station
- Potosi House#4. State Highway 21. Northeast County/Washington State Park Station
- Potosi House#5. State Highway 185 North County/Indian Creek Station
- Richwoods Fire Protection District. Chief- David Hoffmann Jr
- Firemen - 36
- Junior Firemen - 1
- No. Of Stations - 1
- No. Of Trucks - 6
- Area District - Town Of Richwoods, Parts of Blackwell, Fletcher, Lonedell, and Sullivan.
- District Highway Coverage
- State Hwy 47
- State Hwy A
- State Hwy H
- State Hwy T
- State Hwy WW
- Irondale Fire Protection District. Chief- Bill Byers
- Firemen- 15-20
- Junior Firemen- 3-5
- No. Of Stations- 1
- No. Of Trucks- 5
- Area District- City Of Irondale
- District Highway Coverage
- State Hwy M
- State Hwy 8
- State Hwy U
- Belgrade Fire Protection District. Chief- Vacant
- Firemen- 5-7
- Junior Firemen- 0
- Number Of Stations 2
- Number Of Trucks 8
- Area District- City Of Belgrade- Village Of Caledonia- Palmer- Quaker- Delbridge
- District Highway Coverage-
- State Hwy C
- State Hwy 21 Bootleg Park @ Gildea Rd
- State Hwy 32 Iron County
- State Hwy DD
- State Hwy P
- State Hwy Y
- State Hwy BB
- State Hwy JJ
- State Hwy Z
- Council Bluff Beach-Camping Area
- Caledonia Fire Department. Chief- Charles Hampton
- Firemen- 15-20
- Junior Firemen- 1
- No. Of Stations- 1
- No. Of Trucks- 6
- Area District- Village Of Caledonia- City Of Belgrade
- District Highway Coverage
- State Hwy 21
- State Hwy 32
- State Hwy M
Ambulance District
Washington County Ambulance District. Administrator - Mal Gum- Paramedics - 12
- EMT-B - 10
- No. of Stations - 2
- No. of Ambulances - 5
- No. of Support Vehicles - 2
- Area District - All of Washington County
Police Departments
- Washington County Sheriff's Office Sheriff - Andy Skiles
- Sheriff - Andy Skiles
- Captain - Mike Gum
- Lieutenant - Todd Mahaney
- Sergeant - Doug Tuning
- Sergeant - Nick Todd
- Sergeant - Jeremy Stetina
- Area District - All of Washington County
- Potosi Police Department
- Chief - Roy Logsden
- Captain - Mal Gum
- Lieutenant - Mike Gum
- Sergeant - Jamie Mayberry
Attractions
- Big River Access *Belgrade
- Council Bluff Lake *Belgrade
- Bootleg Park *Belgrade
- Berryman Camp & Trail National Forest *Berryman
- Buford Mountain *Caledonia
- Hughes Mountain Natural Area *Irondale
- Bismarck Lake Conservation Area *Bismarck
- Little Indian Creek Conservation Area *Sullivan
- Pea Ridge Conservation Area *Sullivan
- YMCA of the Ozarks *Shirley
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Missouri
External links
- Digitized 1930 Plat Book of Washington County from University of MissouriUniversity of MissouriThe University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses...
Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books