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| John Neth, Bob Waugh and Rob Richmond, Chapter President Photo Courtesy of Johnson City Press |
Johnson City Press - June 9, 2026 - Jonesborough and Washington County celebrated Tennessee’s 230th Statehood Day last Friday outside the historic Washington County Courthouse.
State Rep. Rebecca Alexander and State Sen. Rusty Crowe attended the program, which was held ahead of the official June 1 anniversary to coincide with the display of the Washington County Unite Quilt.
Former Sessions Court Judge John Kiener discussed Tennessee’s formation and Jonesborough’s unique history as part of North Carolina, the short-lived State of Franklin, and Tennessee. Anne G’Fellers-Mason of the McKinney Center and Paul Harris of Jonesborough Tourism and the Heritage Alliance also shared local and county history.
“It’s always good to look back on our history and heritage and know why we are where we are,” Harris said.
The Washington County Unite Quilt features squares representing all 29 states containing a Washington County. Each square showcases its county while honoring George Washington. Created for America’s 250th anniversary, the quilt celebrates the shared heritage and community spirit of Washington Counties nationwide.
The quilt will remain on display at the courthouse for two weeks before continuing to its next destination.
State Rep. Rebecca Alexander and State Sen. Rusty Crowe attended the program, which was held ahead of the official June 1 anniversary to coincide with the display of the Washington County Unite Quilt.
Former Sessions Court Judge John Kiener discussed Tennessee’s formation and Jonesborough’s unique history as part of North Carolina, the short-lived State of Franklin, and Tennessee. Anne G’Fellers-Mason of the McKinney Center and Paul Harris of Jonesborough Tourism and the Heritage Alliance also shared local and county history.
“It’s always good to look back on our history and heritage and know why we are where we are,” Harris said.
The Washington County Unite Quilt features squares representing all 29 states containing a Washington County. Each square showcases its county while honoring George Washington. Created for America’s 250th anniversary, the quilt celebrates the shared heritage and community spirit of Washington Counties nationwide.
The quilt will remain on display at the courthouse for two weeks before continuing to its next destination.