Washington County

Towns in County:
Akron, Anton, Cope, Last Chance, Lindon, Otis, Platner, Woodrow

There’s plenty of room to breath in Washington County. It’s one of the largest counties in Colorado with over 2,500 sq. miles. There is also an abundance of sky, which explains why, once a year in September, pilots from all over the nation visit Akron, Colorado for the National Radial Engine Exhibition. It is a celebration of American Spirit.

Akron is a great example of what community is all about. Small town living here is a peaceful blend of past and present. Washington County was once a dangerous and rugged place for both native Americans and Settlers. On July 11, 1869, Summit Springs was the sight of a bloody conflict between Cavalry Soldiers, Cheyenne and Sioux Indians. Today, four stones mark the battle, which is north of Akron on Highway 63. The most current marker is for Susannah Aldrich, who had been captured and killed by chief Tall Bull. Also, Major Frank North killed chief Tall Bull in this battle. Buffalo Bill Cody participated, as well, in this battle and later recreated it in his Wild West Show. There is a fence that separates the monuments from the private ground where the battle occurred and where the actual springs are located.

Although the plains are peaceful now, it’s easy to imagine the scenes of history that took place in this wide-open county. Farming is a vital industry in Washington County, and its no wonder with 325 days of sunshine annually. This county is a major dry land wheat producer. The other major crop is millet, which is truly “for the birds”. There are two birdseed factories in the area. Akron has been home to one of the largest, for over 40 years, with the second largest located in Otis.

Explore a bit and discover some great out of the way places in Washington County. Enjoy the museum in Akron. It contains a lot of the counties rich history, artifacts and memorabilia. We have Prewitt Reservoir in the northwest part of the county, which is a great place to go fishing and camping. You can enjoy a round of golf in Akron, or you can go hunting for pheasants and other wildlife. With miles and miles of open highways, you won’t have to worry about traffic jams and you can forget about long lines at grocery stores and restaurants. The people who live hear know that this is a place where a simpler way of life is the only way. There is a sense of time standing still here and you will notice a silence in this enormous landscape that most of us have all but forgotten. You will be tempted to lose yourself in these vast open spaces, but the truth is, you may end up finding yourself in Washington County, Colorado.