Washington in Franklin County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gravesite of Washington's Founder

Lucinda Owens

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 6, 2018

1. Gravesite of Washington's Founder Marker

Inscription. William Owens realized the potential for a town at the site of "Washington Landing" on the Missouri River. He purchased property including the landing and began to sell city lots as early as 1829.

Owens' murder in 1834 led to his estate being sold at auction. His window, Lucinda Cowherd Owens purchased the land that would comprise the city. On May 29, 1839, aided by her son-in-law, John F. Mense, she filed a plat at the county establishing the site as Washington. Unearthed during a project to better document burials, the monument of William Owens was reinstalled here on his gravesite in 2012. The Washington Historical Society funded an identical monument erected on Lucinda's grave. The project was completed as a memorial to our city's founders during Washington's 175th Anniversary.

Erected 2014.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 29, 1839.

Location. 38° 33.134′ N, 91° 0.183′ W. Marker is in Washington, Missouri, in Franklin County. Marker is on State Highway 47 south of East 5th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 East Fifth Street, Washington MO 63090, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Korean War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Bassora Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John's A.M.E. Church (approx. half a mile away); Southern Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Marie Krog House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Historic Log House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Monuments for William and Lucinda Owens in addition to the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 6, 2018

2. Monuments for William and Lucinda Owens in addition to the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 232 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.