Historic Washington, Louisiana, founded in 1720, is the oldest settlement in Louisiana. The old steamboat town is filled with many beautiful old homes, several great bed and breakfast inns and antique shops. Washington contains many examples of various Louisiana architecture, ranging from board and batten cottages to towering plantation houses. The brick commercial buildings on Main Street are also of major interest, since a number of them still maintain their 19th century ornamental store fronts. Washington has many wonderful old live oaks, many of which are recorded in the register of the Louisiana Live Oak Society.

 In the 1800’s, Washington was the largest inland port between New Orleans and St. Louis. Because the bayou was navigable south to New Orleans and northward by flatboat to the rich agricultural area, the town rapidly became a center for commerce and transportation.

 In May of 1911, the last steamboat left Washington and since that time other areas in the state have surpassed the little community as major commercial centers. Washington, however, has never lost the character of its rich heritage.

 The historic significance of Washington is recorded in the National Historic Registry, encompassing 80% of the town.

 The town offers a fascinating doorway into the 19th century, and visitors in search of a taste of the past will not be disappointed with a trip to Washington, Louisiana.

WASHINGTON MUSEUM & TOURIST INFORMATION

404 North Main St.; (337) 826-3627.  Make this your first stop in Washington for information on historic sites, maps of the area, house tours, walking tours, antique shops, and bed-and-breakfast listings. Many interesting artifacts of the steamboat era are housed in the museum.

ST. LANDRY PARISH TOURIST COMMISSION

 BED & BREAKFASTS

COUNTRY HOUSE - 608 East Carriere St., (337) 826-3052 | (877) 862-8038.  Circa 1903. A lovely, serene setting dictates the mood for this turn-of-the-century home. Accommodations feature an upstairs suite, downstairs bed and bath, or a separate cottage nestled in a country garden. June Lowrey welcomes you!

CAMELLIA COVE  - 211 West Hill St., (337) 826-7362.  Circa 1825. A showcase of old-fashioned southern lifestyle, charm, and grace. Furnished with lovely Louisiana antiques, Camellia Cove is situated on two quiet acres surrounded by shade trees and a variety of camellia bushes.

 LA CHAUMIERE GUEST COTTAGE- 217 South Washington St., (337) 826-3967 Located in historic, downtown Washington, La Chaumiere provides overnight accommodations for two. Built in the early 1930s, it is decorated in a Cajun style and consists of a bedroom, bath, dining room, and kitchen. Guests can prepare continental breakfast at their convenience. No pets.

STEAMBOAT COTTAGES  - 513 North Main St., (337) 826-7227; http://www.steamboatwarehouse.com. Offering comfort and hospitality on picturesque Bayou Courtableau, each of these cottages features a spacious living area, bedroom with French doors leading to outside patio, full bath with shower, cypress furnishings, TV, min-bar, and refrigerator. Daily, corporate, and long-term rates.

THE CRAWFORD HOUSE  - 410 East Carriere St., (337) 826-3003. In I864 this property was acquired by steamboat Captain William Crawford who added the west wing, which houses the bedroom and bath where proprietors Robert and Susan Tinney invite their guests to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of 19th-century living. The entire house has been beautifully restored and is surrounded by 150-year-old live oaks and an abundance of flora.

ATTRACTIONS

MAGNOLIA RIDGE PLANTATION
This grand plantation house, built in the early 1800's, played a vital role during the Civil War for both the Confederate and Union forces. Although the house is not open for tours, the lovely, landscaped extensive grounds and 3 miles of asphalt walkways surrounding this antebellum home are open to the public. Free Admission.
Hours: Oct-Mar 9 am-5 pm; Apr-Sept 7 am-6:30 pm.; Closed during bad weather.
Physical location: Hwy. 103 West, Washington,
Phone: (337) 826-3027

RESTAURANTS