Washburn City

Washburn a city in McLean County, North Dakota is the county seat of McLean County. The population was 1,389 at the 2000 census. Washburn was founded in 1882 and became the county seat in 1883. Washburn is the oldest city in the McLean County.

In the city the population was spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,789, and the median income for a family was $54,250. Males had a median income of $47,500 versus $21,364 for females.

The per capita income for the city was $19,726. About 5.9% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and 12.7%

of those age 65 or over.
 

The city was officially founded on the 1st of November 1882 by "King John" Satterlund. He saw that the area was a great site, with good soil, abundance of wood and coal, and excellent water transportation. Satterlund, who was also the founder of Washburn's newspaper The Leader News, selected the site for a township because he envisioned that this yet untilled area would develop as settlers came. Both Satterlund and his business partner, John Veeder, named the new town Washburn in honor of the late Wisconsin Governor Cadwallader Colden Washburn, whom both men knew in Wisconsin.

Washburn is also home to the North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center which houses a full-scale replica of Fort Mandan and one of the actual expedition canoes. Washburn is the oldest city in the McLean county and has a truly interesting history. The land surrounding the city has also been recognized as one of abundant natural beauty and wildlife for years now.

The city of Washburn has a very active community with residents that have a strong volunteer spirit. The city also boasts of many thriving businesses, two museums and churches. There are also many outdoor activities that one can enjoy such as, hiking, bicycling, golfing and hunting. The city also has many parks and a community swimming

pool that anyone can enjoy.