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Washington County

As one of the oldest counties in the state, Washington County was home to the first capital of Alabama, located on the banks of the Alabama River in historic St. Stephens. The county has a long history of utilizing its strong supply of natural resources to support its industrial base. Blessed by an abundant fresh-water supply and one of the largest

natural salt domes in the nation, the county is also home to three major chemical companies, Ciba-Geigy, Olin and McNeil. With a combined workforce of 3500 employees, these three industries form the cornerstone of the commercial base in Washington County.

In addition, the county has one of the few, if not the only, electrical storage facilities in the southeastern United States. By converting electricity to steam and storing it underground, this facility allows for a constant and more efficient production of electrical power.

As with the rest of the 1^st district, the wide areas of timberland and access to open waterways provide numerous recreational opportunities for the residents of the county.