PEORIA MAGAZINE October 2022

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

THE WASHINGTON WAY Neighborly reputation, hometown character, rich history distinguish this grow ing Tazewell County town

BY SCOTT FISHEL PHOTOS BY RON JOHNSON AND TODD PILON

W henWashingtonresidents find themselves going in circles, it’s not because they are lost or confused. In fact, they couldn’t be happier: They’ve been circling the Downtown Square for nearly 200 years. With its mix of century-old buildings, nostalgia and modern amenities, the Downtown Square is at the heart of what makes this bustling Tazewell County town tick: people, progress and history.

Washington’s longtime mayor, Gary Manier, calls the Square “the city’s historical gem.” Part of the original village laid out by William Holland in 1838, the Square evokes a bygone era, even as storefront retailers sell online and big box stores rule on the west end of town. In 1967 — in the name of progress — the statewanted to straighten out Route 24 through the center of Washington instead of slowing motorists for the jog around the Square. Businesses and the

Gary Manier has been the longest serving mayor in the city of Washington’s history

68 OCTOBER 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE