The town was officially established by the Virginia Assembly in 1796. Though there are now 28 Washingtons in the United States, this is The First Washington of All.. Today Washington serves as the county seat, is home to the famous Inn at Little Washington, as well as country inns, shops, and galleries. Other historic small towns include Woodville (1803), Amissville (1810), Sperryville (1820), and Flint Hill (1820s), each with its own charm and heritage.