Also Honors Tennessee's 230 Years of Statehood
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (June 5, 2026) — Washington County officially launched its commemoration of America's 250th anniversary on Friday with a community celebration at the Historic Washington County Courthouse — honoring both the nation's founding and Tennessee's 230 years of statehood.
The event brought together residents, local leaders and historians to reflect on Washington County's unique place in American and Tennessee history. The program opened with an invocation by Pastor Jeremy Dykes of Jackson Park Covenant Brethren Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Rob Richmond, president of the Sons of the American Revolution Kings Mountain Chapter.
Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy welcomed attendees, and highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that connect present-day residents to the generations who helped shape both the county and the nation.
"As we begin commemorating America's 250th anniversary, there is no better place to reflect on our nation's history than Washington County," Grandy said. "Our community played an important role in the early development of Tennessee, and today's celebration provided an opportunity to honor that legacy while looking ahead to the future."
Judge John Kiener, Washington County historian, shared historical perspectives on the county's role in the state's formation and the significance of Tennessee's journey to statehood.
Tennessee became the 16th state admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796. Washington County was home to many of the political and civic developments that helped lay the foundation for statehood, including the settlement efforts that preceded the establishment of the Southwest Territory and eventual admission to the Union.
Additional remarks were delivered by Anne G'Fellers-Mason, executive director of the Heritage Alliance of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and Paul Harris of the Jonesborough Tourism & Heritage Alliance, who discussed the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that define the region's rich heritage.
As part of the celebration, attendees were invited inside the courthouse to view the "Washington Countians Unite" quilt, Washington County's contribution to a national project commemorating America's 250th anniversary. The collaborative quilt project brings together counties and parishes across the United States named in honor of George Washington. Washington County, Tennessee, contributed a square featuring a Martha Washington star pattern centered around an image of the Historic Washington County Courthouse.
The quilt serves as a reminder of the connections between communities across the nation and the shared history that binds them together as America approaches its semi-quincentennial in 2026.