The Washington Hotel was originally built in 1857 and destroyed twice by fire - in 1867 and 1896.

While rebuilding the three story hotel in 1896, they had a jollification dance on the second floor because the partitions were not up which made a good dance hall.

The building was also the post office and stage stop. Famous and not so famous people spent the night, had dinner and boarded their horses.

The Washington Mining District was always served by operators of small stage lines such as Prescott & Grissel. A daily trip departed from the National Hotel in Nevada City at 7:00 AM and arrived in Washington around noon. Now the drive only takes only twenty-five minutes along State Route 20 which trace the Emigrant Trail.

Source: Washington Hotel website