Washburn was settled in the 1820s, the main settlement being near the mouth of Salmon Brook as it enters the Aroostook River. It was incorporated as a town on February 25, 1861 from Salmon Brook Plantation, formerly T13 R3 WELS, and named for Israel Washburn, who was governor of Maine at the time of the town's incorporation. This category lists sites related to the town, or to people, places, businesses or organizations located within the town.
Washburn is located in Aroostook County, northwest of Presque Isle, along Maine Route 164, which curves through the town and links it with Caribou to the northeast.