History of Berks County - Washington Township
The following is reproduced from the 1876 Atlas of Berks County, Pennsylvania
This township, situated in the extreme east of Berks county, is one of the newer townships, being formed from part of Hereford and Colebrookdale. Hence the early history of Washington is the same as that of those above named. It is bounded on the north-east by Hereford; on the southeast by Montgomery county; on the south-west by Colebrookdale; on the north-west by Pike and District. Its population according to the census taken in 1870, is 1,609.
The villages in Washington are Bechtelsville, Eshbach's, Barto and Churchville. The first is situated on the State road leading from Allentown to West Chester. Its name is derived from the person who laid it out.
The township is well watered by the west branch of the Perkiomen creek, and by Swamp creek. The power of these streams is utilized by the skillful hand of man, and made to turn the wheels of numerous mills. The soil also has been subdued, and it ministers abundantly to the wants of the farmer. The inhabitants are in good health and thriving, and in no wise anxious to change their condition for the tumult and bustle of city life.