Named for Israel Washburn, governor beginning in the year of its incorporation, Washburn was settled in the 1820's near the mouth of Salmon Brook as it enters the Aroostook River.

Long a potato growing and processing area, the town lies northwest of Presque Isle on Maine Route 164, which curves through the town and links it with Caribou to the northeast.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)